In large handicaps on certain tracks, the draw is often a determining factor in finding winners. The John Smith's Cup, run over 10 furlongs at York tomorrow, is a case in point.

Just three horses in the past 10 years have won from a stall position in double figures and only two have been drawn higher than stall 12 in that time.

Nanton, a close-up fourth to Forgotten Voice in the Royal Hunt Cup, fits the profile of past winners of this race but his trainer, Jim Goldie, said: "We'd really fancy him if it wasn't from the draw. He's got it all to do from stall 15.

"Nanton was beaten by Kingdom Of Fife at Redcar and he looked a very good winner but even he is up against it in stall 13."

There may be some who will be put off by RIGGINS (3.10) simply because he has yet to tackle this trip.

The son of Cape Cross has had just four career starts, spread over three seasons, but the fact that trainer Luca Cumani kept him in training at the age of five means that he has plenty of ability.

He has won three times, having accounted for Mujood over a mile at Goodwood in May, and remains unexposed.

If he handles the trip from a plum draw in stall two - and there is little reason to think he won't - he should not be far away.

RA Junior, trained by Brian Meehan, is one of only two three-year-olds in the event.

This lightly-raced colt, who showed good form over a mile last season, has solid each-way claims, along with the Brian Ellison-trained Ladies Best, who was a narrow fourth to Duncan on his penultimate start at Epsom.

Howard Johnson won the Norfolk Stakes in 2005 and 2007, so it was interesting that he was represented by KINGDOM OF LIGHT (2.05) in the Group 2 contest at Royal Ascot this year.

He is clearly highly regarded and though he carries plenty of weight, he may be able to overcome the handicap in the five-furlong sprint.

The draw could be a factor in the mile handicap that follows, so Osteopathic Remedy and GALA CASINO STAR (2.35) both make plenty of appeal.

Richard Fahey's yard is in great form, so it is hoped that the application of first-time blinkers will galvanise the four-year-old.

FRISTON FOREST (3.45) was very game in defeat behind Som Tala at Doncaster last time on his first try at two miles and this drop back to a mile and three-quarters should be a benefit. He also seems to act on any ground.

Simon Milham's York TV tips

2.05 Kingdom Of Light; 2.35 Gala Casino Star; 3.10 Riggins; 3.45 Friston Forest.