STATISTICS prove it pays to be drawn high in the Stewards' Cup, so don't be afraid to back Proud Boast (3.35) even though she's relatively unfancied at odds of 40-1 with a couple of firms.

In last year's six-furlong cavalry charge the first three home were drawn 27, 29 and 28 respectively, figures which bode exceptionally well for Proud Boast, due to blast out of berth number 27.

It also helps that the selection is trained by "sprint king" Dandy Nicholls, responsible for the millennium winner of the race, Tayseer, not to mention partnering Soba to a famous victory for David Chapman way back in 1982.

From a handicapping perspective there's every reason to believe Proud Boast can at the very least land some sizeable each-way bets since less than two years ago she scored in Listed company at Newmarket.

Her fortunes then dipped somewhat and she left former trainer, Geraldine Rees, and was sold to Peter Savill, who sent the mare to David Nicholls in the hope that a change of scenery from Lancashire to North Yorkshire would bring about a much-needed revival.

It wasn't long before Dandy's magic began to work, picking up a competitive event at Beverley in the spring, together with a couple of encouraging placed efforts, notably at Ayr, where, with a clear run, she would have won again.

Consistency hasn't always been Proud Boast's strong suit therefore we can safely ignore her latest lacklustre appearance at Ascot.

It is also worth remembering that she's bounced straight back from similar poor performances in the past, and with Aussie ace Kerrin McEvoy aboard seems sure to give us a cracking run for our money.

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