ENFJAAR and Jack Mitchell lead BOTANICAL home in the John Smith's Cup Handicap, for a Varian Stable-trained 1-2.

ENFJAAR flashed his ability when winning his first two career starts at Newmarket and Chelmsford, and a bounce back to form at Chelmsford last month saw him placed strongly in contention for this afternoon's prestigious Handicap contest at York.

The four-year-old enjoyed a smooth trip into the race, tracking the leaders before being switched to the stand's side early in the home straight. 2f from home ENFJAAR cruised into the lead, sluicing up the rail and running on strongly under Jack Mitchell to succeed by just under 2L to Sheikh Mohammed Obaid's BOTANICAL.

Enfjaar's win secures a second John Smith's Cup for Roger Varian, a decade after Farraaj's victory for Sheikh Mohammed Obaid.

Congratulations to Sheikha Hissa and connections at Shadwell.