August 09 / 14.10 Ascot

14.10

Good To Firm

Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Stayers (Handicap) (GBBPlus Race)

  • Prize money: £39344
  • 1m 7f 209y
  • Class 2
  • 9 runners
ITV
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Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Stayers (Handicap) (GBBPlus Race)

Runners: 9 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

Form: 866-06 C

Last run: 28 days

W: 10st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Well treated on form as recent as early 2024; however, this 8yo was a long way below his best last May-August and soundly beaten in 1m4f handicaps (100-1 and 33-1) last month in his only two starts since; stays 2m and waiting tactics (rather than front-running last time) seem to suit, but it's hard to predict that a revival is imminent.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

2

(12)

30th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 39y

Class 2

13:30 Carlisle

Enemy

9st 11lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Ian Williams

Durable veteran who won twice on the AW early this year; however, he was soundly beaten at Newcastle on Good Friday and faces some unexposed rivals on his return to turf.

25/1

10th

3

(5)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

16:42 Newcastle (AW)

Enemy

9st 10lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Ian Williams

Snapped a losing sequence at Southwell (1m4f, Tapeta) in January before close third at Wolverhampton (2m), and returned to winning ways at Lingfield (2m, Polytrack) latest; this 9yo is in a more competitive race today but there remains mileage in his mark judged on his old form; might not be far away.

14/1

1st

4

(1)

27th Feb 2026

Standard

1m 7f 169y

Class 2

15:45 Lingfield (AW)

Enemy

9st 5lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Ian Williams

Still very useful at the age of nine, getting his head back in front at Southwell (1m4f) on New Year's Day; split reopposing pair Roaring Legend and Brasil Power when creditable third of six over 2m at Wolverhampton three weeks ago but he has yet to win over this trip.

4/1

OUR TIP

Form: -08434 BF

Last run: 21 days

W: 10st 2lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Progressive handicapper last season who ended up in the St Leger, perhaps a little flattered by that bare result as the form has not been repeated; third in the 2m5f Queen Alexandra at Royal Ascot on penultimate outing was clearly his most competitive show this season and gives hope, but he flopped at Newbury on latest.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

(10)

9th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

1m 7f 209y

Class 2

14:10 Ascot

Wild Waves

10st 2lb

J: Hugh Bowman

T: Andrew Balding

Progressive handicapper last season who ended up in the St Leger, perhaps a little flattered by that bare result as the form has not been repeated; third in the 2m5f Queen Alexandra at Royal Ascot on penultimate outing was clearly his most competitive show this season and gives hope, but he flopped at Newbury on latest.

5/1

3

(4)

19th Jul 2025

Good To Firm

2m 0f 110y

Class 2

14:25 Newbury

Wild Waves

9st 3lb

J: James Doyle

T: Andrew Balding

Progressive handicapper last season and ended up in the St Leger; perhaps a little flattered by that bare result, as the form has not been repeated, but third in the 2m5f Queen Alexandra at Royal Ascot on latest outing was clearly his most competitive show this season and gives hope; more to prove on softer than good but overall he looks of renewed interest.

4/1

11

(11)

21st Jun 2025

Good To Firm

2m 5f 143y

Class 2

18:10 Ascot

Wild Waves

9st 3lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

Regularly hooded and goes on all ground; progressive 1m4f/1m6f handicapper last season and ended up in the St Leger (wasn't disgraced, beaten 7l); hasn't really got anything going this year since gelded, last time finishing last of four runners in an Italian Listed race (1m4f); every chance on the figures if rediscovering his mojo and seeing out the trip, but there are doubts on both counts.

9/2

Form: 0-5721 D

Last run: 42 days

W: 9st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Close fourth in this race last year; while his peak form was in 2022, he's virtually at that level again now following his 25-1 win in the Northumberland Plate at Newcastle (2m, AW) six weeks ago by a neck from Dancing In Paris; back up another 5lb with arguably more to prove on good to firm these days (judged on 2024) but he has to be in calculations.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

5

(10)

8th May 2026

Good

2m 2f 140y

Class 2

15:05 Chester

Spirit Mixer

9st 1lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Andrew Balding

One of three for the yard; won the Northumberland Plate at Newcastle (2m, AW) last June and has a 4-7 record at Chester, although his two performances in this race were muted (from double-figure draws); reappearance six weeks ago matched his best 2025 form but a bit extra will be needed.

14/1

3rd

3

(4)

28th Mar 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 7f 218y

Class 2

14:08 Kempton (AW)

Spirit Mixer

9st 13lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Andrew Balding

Won the Northumberland Plate at Newcastle (2m, Tapeta) last June and bagged a second valuable 2m handicap success of the year at Chester in September; however, disappointing in this race in 2024 on his only race at Kempton and this stage of the season may not be the time to catch him.

7/1

5

(1)

25th Sep 2025

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 1

16:10 Newmarket

Spirit Mixer

9st 5lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Andrew Balding

Held on determinedly in the Northumberland Plate in June and bagged a second valuable 2m handicap success of the year when leading late on at Chester (good to soft) 12 days ago; should give another good account but would struggle to live with an on-song Palladium and/or Live Your Dream.

10/1

Form: 9-4285

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 5lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Regularly switches between Flat and hurdle races, beaten a neck in the latter sphere on latest outing; close second at York in May was easily his most competitive show on the Flat this season (way out of his depth on latest Flat start) but that was over 1m4f and he's not proven beyond that on Flat.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

(3)

22nd May 2026

Good To Soft

2m 1f 27y

Class 4

19:52 Pontefract

Maghlaak

9st 8lb

J: Kyle McHugh

T: Mark Walford

Made a winning start for this yard in a novice handicap chase at Southwell (2m4f, soft) last November; finished a long way behind Sea Of Kings at Doncaster on his return to the Flat four weeks ago; others appeal more.

12/1

6th

3

(1)

25th Apr 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 197y

Class 4

19:15 Doncaster

Maghlaak

9st 8lb

J: Rhys Elliott

T: Mark Walford

Ended his time with Adrian Keatley below par last autumn but a winner over fences at Southwell for his new yard before being pulled up at Market Rasen in December; needs to bounce back after a layoff.

16/1

Form: 654-53

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
With new yard this season; out of his depth in the 2m5f Queen Alexandra at Royal Ascot in June and held by Wild Waves on that result; however, second in a 2m novice hurdle next time and close second of four to Almuhit in a slowly run Flat race at Newbury (2m, good to firm) 11 days later when Wild Waves disappointed; could be on his way back.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

2nd Jun 2026

Good

1m 7f 182y

Class 4

17:00 Southwell

Scottish Anthem

11st 6lb

J: Charlie Hammond

T: Stuart Edmunds

Fairly useful on the Flat; lightly raced in this sphere and made an encouraging start for his new stable after eight months off when fifth of ten in 2m3f Warwick novice 40 days ago; can take a step forward on his handicap debut with cheekpieces added.

9/2

5th

6

23rd Apr 2026

Good

2m 3f 0y

Class 4

14:00 Warwick

Scottish Anthem

11st 6lb

J: Charlie Hammond

T: Stuart Edmunds

Had plenty of racing on the Flat and ran to a highly respectable level last year at up to 2m; runner-up in his second run over hurdles at Uttoxeter (good) last summer and could run well if fitness doesn't hold him back after a lengthy absence.

9/2

3

(9)

7th Sep 2025

Good

2m 0f 56y

Class 3

15:30 York

Scottish Anthem

9st 6lb

J: Darragh Keenan

T: Michael Keady

Only wins in 31 starts were over 1m in France and the Crisfords failed to win with him; however, six runs for Michael Keady have yielded competitive runs over hurdles and in a small-field 2m handicap at Newbury; 1m3f perhaps too short these days so Windsor last time is forgiven (in trouble before the saddle slipped).

20/1

Form: 317223

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 3lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
1m4f winner on yard debut in April; ran well again on last three outings when second twice at Sandown over 1m6f and a close third of six at Ascot on his first attempt at 2m; should not be far away.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

(4)

13th May 2026

Good

1m 3f 188y

Class 2

14:20 York

Fireblade

8st 13lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Dylan Cunha

Did well last season, including a win over 1m4f in April but he was best later on at about 2m (including at York); reappearance this term was pretty encouraging, considering it was over just 1m2f, and he looks a serious each-way contender.

14/1

4th

8

(5)

21st Apr 2026

Good To Soft

1m 2f 5y

Class 2

15:27 Pontefract

Fireblade

8st 13lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Dylan Cunha

Did well for his new yard last season, winning twice (1m4f/2m, good to firm); his current mark maybe isn't beyond him but he's never run over a trip this short and he's probably vulnerable on his reappearance.

12/1

10

(3)

11th Oct 2025

Good

2m 2f 0y

Class 2

15:40 Newmarket

Fireblade

8st 10lb

J: Sean Levey

T: Dylan Cunha

Regular improvement for new yard, including a win at the Shergar Cup at Ascot (2m, good to firm) in August and going oh so close off this mark in three-way photo at York (2m, good) on latest outing; he's well handicapped and, with a good chance that 2m2f will help with further progress, another bold show should be on its way.

33/1

Form: 4-P411 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 3lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Jockey felt something was amiss four starts back but otherwise this 6yo has been a tremendous success story this year since wind surgery; dictated the pace before gamely seeing off the challengers in the last half mile to 2m races at Newbury (good to firm) on last two outings, both in just four-runner races but he could also have his say in this more competitive affair.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

7

(8)

31st May 2026

Good

2m 0f 13y

Class 3

18:15 Thirsk

Almuhit

9st 7lb

J: Sean Levey

T: Faye Bramley

Rediscovered the knack for new stable last year, including two front-running wins over 2m in four-runner Flat races and two places when the action got more competitive; returned to some hurdles form on last two outings in that sphere; a lesser show on Musselburgh Flat in between was over 1m6f but this race may also prove too tough.

16/1

4th

15

28th Apr 2026

Yielding

2m 3f 81y

15:05 Punchestown

Almuhit

10st 8lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Faye Bramley

Four-time Flat winner is 2-19 over hurdles; 8l behind Laughing John when runner up in qualifier for this at Wincanton on penultimate; modest run on the level at Musselburgh on latest; others make more appeal.

12/1

Form: 14-243

Last run: 22 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
4yo filly who has had just six races; won a maiden last July and sent handicapping this season, placed twice in big fields at the Curragh (1m6f/2m) before her good third of five at Down Royal (1m5f), all on good ground; cheekpieces are added today; his Irish trainer won this event two years ago and this representative may well have more to offer on this return to 2m.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

(2)

23rd Aug 2025

Good

1m 4f 0y

14:52 Curragh

La Vita Nova

9st 12lb

J: Shane Foley

T: Mrs John Harrington

Limerick maiden win at this trip last summer hasn't been added to, although good efforts in staying handicaps this season, twice here and when third behind a stablemate at Down Royal; way below best on fast ground at Ascot latest but respected on overall profile; back in trip.

7/1

9

(3)

9th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

1m 7f 209y

Class 2

14:10 Ascot

La Vita Nova

9st 2lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Mrs John Harrington

4yo filly who has had just six races; won a maiden last July and sent handicapping this season, placed twice in big fields at the Curragh (1m6f/2m) before her good third of five at Down Royal (1m5f), all on good ground; cheekpieces are added today; his Irish trainer won this event two years ago and this representative may well have more to offer on this return to 2m.

4/1

3rd

2

(3)

18th Jul 2025

Good

1m 5f 0y

20:00 Down Royal

La Vita Nova

9st 11lb

J: Shane Foley

T: Mrs John Harrington

Excellent efforts both starts this season in handicaps at the Curragh, finishing 3l second of 20 over 1m6f and a 2.75l fourth of 25 upped to 16.5f last time, both on good ground; nudged up another 1lb for that last run but should go well again; Foley's pick over Mo Ghille Mar and leading chance.

13/2

Form: 133307 D

Last run: 29 days

W: 8st 13lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
Usually held up; won at Ripon (2m) in April in a pretty consistent campaign, although two of his subsequent starts (including latest) suggest he has a bit more to prove on ground firmer than good; has a competitive mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

5

(2)

31st May 2026

Good

2m 0f 13y

Class 3

18:15 Thirsk

Artisan Dancer

9st 8lb

J: Oliver Stammers

T: Charlie Johnston

Industrious and dependable sort at 1m6f-2m2f but turf strike-rate is 1-19; not discredited on latest start (1m5f) but others are preferred.

16/1

4th

6

(5)

17th May 2026

Good

1m 5f 16y

Class 3

16:45 Hamilton

Artisan Dancer

9st 6lb

J: Jack Callan

T: Charlie Johnston

Industrious and dependable sort over 1m6f-2m2f but his turf strike-rate is just 1-18 and return to turf last time saw him well held.

25/1

10th

11

(3)

3rd May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:55 Newmarket

Artisan Dancer

8st 8lb

J: David Probert

T: Charlie Johnston

Industrious and dependable sort over 1m6f-2m2f, who's fit from AW, but his turf strike-rate is just 1-17 and that makes him look vulnerable.

20/1

Non-runners

Dancing In Paris

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

La Vita Nova

TOPSPEED:

Spirit Mixer

RP RATINGS:

Fireblade

Telegraph:

Dancing In Paris

LAMBOURN:

Almuhit

NEWMARKET:

Fireblade

The Times:

La Vita Nova

The Guardian:

La Vita Nova

D Express:

La Vita Nova

Daily Mirror:

La Vita Nova

Daily Record:

La Vita Nova

POSTDATA:

Spirit Mixer

Daily Mail:

Spirit Mixer

The Sun:

Spirit Mixer

The Star:

Spirit Mixer