Beau just smokin' to win Steward's Cup

Smokin Beau was clipped to 20-1 from 33s with totesport for the Vodafone Stewards’ Cup after staying on well to take the five-furlong Ladbrokes.com Handicap at Lingfield.

Ted Durcan broke smartly from stall six and was always in the front rank, stalking Cape Royal, before sending his mount to the front with a furlong to go.

Though Cornus got into contention, his run flattened out and both Texas Gold and Forever Phoenix swept by him to take the minor honours.

But the train had already left the platform and Nick Littmoden’s runner, sent off an 8-1 chance, ground out a three-quarters of a length victory.

“He seemed in seriously good order and he always comes to hand at this time of year,” said the Newmarket handler. “He did the same last season.

“The Stewards’ Cup and the Ayr Gold Cup are both possibilities and we might even try and defend the Great St Wilfrid. He’s been quite hard to place and the plan is now to go back to the turf.

“He likes good ground, though good to soft is even better. He’s entered at Hamilton on Friday night and we’ll have to have a look, though I think we will go straight to Goodwood.”