August 09 / 14.45 Ascot

14.45

Good To Firm

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

  • Prize money: £39344
  • 1m 3f 211y
  • Class 2
  • 10 runners
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Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Challenge (Handicap) (GBBPlus Race)

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

Form: 80-610 CD

Last run: 29 days

W: 10st 2lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Won this last year (by a head from Dream Harder) off 5lb lower and back to best for an Ayr win (1m5f, good) this June; 1m6f provides a ready excuse for his latest effort, which was also however his first run on good to firm; more interesting back in this race but may need a career best to win it for the second year running.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

(9)

21st Apr 2026

Good To Soft

1m 2f 5y

Class 2

15:27 Pontefract

Insanity

9st 8lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Alan King

Soundly beaten on final run last term but on heavy ground, and it was a campaign in which he frequently ran really well, going close off this mark at York (1m2f, good) in October; won on his reappearance in 2024; respected.

11/2

4

(5)

11th Oct 2025

Good

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

14:05 York

Insanity

9st 3lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Alan King

Won at Ayr (1m5f, good) in June and has run really well in defeat over 1m4f (good to firm) on his last two starts, most recently beaten a neck here; this progressive 5yo could give another good account although the drop back in trip may well prove to be a negative.

6/1

2nd

4

(8)

22nd Aug 2025

Good To Firm

1m 3f 188y

Class 2

13:50 York

Insanity

9st 4lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Alan King

Disappointing in his two starts at York, latterly in this race last year; back to his best on two of his last three outings when winning at Ayr (1m5f, good) in June and close third in a Shergar Cup race at Ascot (1m4f, good to firm) 13 days ago; contender if the form is transferred to York this time.

7/1

Form: 692717 C

Last run: 16 days

W: 10st 1lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Career highlight was at Royal Ascot 2022 but he capitalised on a career-low mark to win at Newmarket (1m4f, good to firm) last month; long list of possible excuses at Yarmouth 12 days later, so he remains of interest.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

4

(2)

30th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 39y

Class 2

13:30 Carlisle

Claymore

9st 6lb

J: Sorin Moldoveanu

T: Jane Chapple-Hyam

Campaigned in the UAE this winter, last seen finishing tailed off at Meydan; still 4lb higher than for his last win in Britain and probably best watched after three months off.

20/1

2

(2)

14th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

1m 2f 0y

Class 2

20:00 Windsor

Claymore

9st 11lb

J: Silvestre De Sousa

T: Jane Chapple-Hyam

Career highlight was at Royal Ascot 2022 but he capitalised on a career-low mark to win at Newmarket (1m4f, good to firm) last month; long list of possible excuses next time and not disgraced at Ascot last Saturday, so he needs a second look.

10/1

2

(5)

9th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

14:45 Ascot

Claymore

10st 1lb

J: Suraj Narredu

T: Jane Chapple-Hyam

Career highlight was at Royal Ascot 2022 but he capitalised on a career-low mark to win at Newmarket (1m4f, good to firm) last month; long list of possible excuses at Yarmouth 12 days later, so he remains of interest.

6/1

OUR TIP

Form: 073128 D

Last run: 2 days

W: 9st 13lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Usually front-runs; never better than with his first and second at the end of last month, which were on AW however and his top four RPRs have now been registered in that sphere; something to find on turf, including as he was third here (1m6f, good to firm) earlier in July but is now 7lb higher and he dropped out at Chepstow on Thursday.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

(5)

22nd Aug 2025

Good To Firm

1m 4f 15y

Class 2

18:35 Hamilton

La Pulga

9st 8lb

J: Archie Young

T: Charlie Johnston

Front-runner who has been keeping busy, winning at Newcastle (1m4f, AW) last month and going close on two of his three starts since, most recently beaten half a length at Ascot (1m4f, good to firm); has won here and is capable of another bold bid.

7/1

3

(6)

9th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

14:45 Ascot

La Pulga

9st 13lb

J: Hugh Bowman

T: Charlie Johnston

Usually front-runs; never better than with his first and second at the end of last month, which were on AW however and his top four RPRs have now been registered in that sphere; something to find on turf, including as he was third here (1m6f, good to firm) earlier in July but is now 7lb higher and he dropped out at Chepstow on Thursday.

5/1

Form: 21001- D

Last run: 291 days

W: 9st 9lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Slipped badly last summer in his first handicap and boiled over next time, favourite for valuable 1m6f races in both of them; gelded soon afterwards and won with a strong late bid at Newcastle (1m4f, AW) last October; this is a belated reappearance but he surely has more to offer this season, perhaps a good deal.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

7

(4)

3rd May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:55 Newmarket

Dramatic Star

8st 12lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: William Haggas

Improved last year without quite winning; each-way claims if back to best with first-time headgear after two rather disappointing runs in 2026.

9/2

7th

5

(9)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

16:42 Newcastle (AW)

Dramatic Star

9st 3lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: William Haggas

Not quite at his best at Kempton last month but that came after 94 days off and he could improve for it; held up in slowly run race at Kempton in October when 2l fourth on his sole previous crack at 2m, and he may yet be capable of better at this sort of trip; has won here and could be involved.

11/2

6th

2

(6)

2nd Mar 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 3f 219y

Class 3

16:37 Kempton (AW)

Dramatic Star

9st 11lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: William Haggas

Won twice in 2024, including over 1m4f on Tapeta; had only five runs last year but he went close on two occasions, including in a Class 2 at Southwell (1m4f) in November; 2lb higher on his return but he hit a personal best last time and he's a key player on this drop back in grade.

3/1

Form: 7-1107 D

Last run: 42 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Eight races; made the running for all three of his wins, including in handicaps over about this trip on good to firm on first two starts this season, finding plenty to end well on top; couldn't get to the front at Epsom next time and tailed off, with rain-softened ground apparently to blame; no excuse with the ground at Windsor (led over 6f out) on latest start, however, and cheekpieces are now enlisted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

8

(1)

28th Sep 2025

Standard

1m 4f 98y

Class 3

16:30 Newcastle (AW)

Candyman Stan

9st 8lb

J: Jason Watson

T: Andrew Balding

AW maiden winner and has added two turf handicaps at about 1m4f; less convincing of late and raced keenly when behind Siempre Arturo at Kempton last time.

12/1

7

(4)

6th Sep 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 3f 219y

Class 3

16:50 Kempton (AW)

Candyman Stan

9st 2lb

J: Jason Watson

T: Andrew Balding

Campaigned on turf this term, winning twice in the spring but less convincing since; gained his maiden success (easily) on AW last year and remains unexposed in this sphere.

14/1

5

(8)

9th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

14:45 Ascot

Candyman Stan

9st 8lb

J: Delphine Santiago

T: Andrew Balding

Eight races; made the running for all three of his wins, including in handicaps over about this trip on good to firm on first two starts this season, finding plenty to end well on top; couldn't get to the front at Epsom next time and tailed off, with rain-softened ground apparently to blame; no excuse with the ground at Windsor (led over 6f out) on latest start, however, and cheekpieces are now enlisted.

8/1

Form: 014037 D

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 8lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Hit a personal best with his clearcut win off 4lb lower at Epsom (1m4f, good) in April; similar form when third to Claymore at Newmarket (1m4f, good to firm) last month and perhaps 1m6f on soft was all wrong for him 12 days later, but he's not been the most consistent this term.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

4

(4)

15th May 2026

Good

1m 4f 0y

Class 3

14:32 Newmarket

Asgards Captain

9st 8lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Dylan Cunha

Did well to win at York (good to firm) off just 1lb lower in August but only fourth of five in the Great Metropolitan at Epsom (also 1m4f, good, Topteam behind) 17 days ago; that was a shade underwhelming given he'd won the race in 2025 but was a little weak in the market so maybe better can be expected this time.

12/1

4th

3

(4)

28th Apr 2026

Good To Firm

1m 4f 6y

Class 3

15:50 Epsom

Asgards Captain

9st 4lb

J: J F Egan

T: Dylan Cunha

Last year's winner (good) who ran well in two other appearances over C&D; did well to win at York (1m4f, good to firm) under John Egan in August and arrives here fit after three creditable efforts at Meydan; firm contender.

4/1

3rd

4

(2)

28th Sep 2025

Standard

1m 4f 98y

Class 3

16:30 Newcastle (AW)

Asgards Captain

9st 12lb

J: J F Egan

T: Dylan Cunha

Had a busy 12 months but right on the money when staying on best last time at York (1m4f) and this stiff finish will suit him well, as it has done before; only 3lb higher.

5/1

Form: -18956 D

Last run: 9 days

W: 9st 8lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Ran well on his only visit to Ascot; won reappearance at York (1m4f, good to firm) in May; underwhelming since but he's now only 1lb higher than that last winning mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

2

(7)

31st May 2026

Good

1m 4f 8y

Class 4

17:15 Thirsk

Great Bedwyn

9st 10lb

J: Sean Levey

T: Richard Hannon

Beaten on his last 13 starts going back to last May but he's been a good second on two of his last three starts, most recently in a big field at York (1m4f, good) this month; every chance he'll again be bang there.

4/1

2nd

4

(7)

13th May 2026

Good

1m 3f 188y

Class 4

17:15 York

Great Bedwyn

9st 7lb

J: Sean Levey

T: Richard Hannon

Won this (good to firm) on return last year by a neck off 4lb higher than today; subsequent efforts have never quite lived up to that, albeit runner-up on Kempton AW last September and this March; first 1m2f run for ages when disappointing on latest start; could bounce back with each-way claims.

15/2

8th

10

(5)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

1m 2f 0y

Class 3

15:15 Lingfield (AW)

Great Bedwyn

9st 5lb

J: Sean Levey

T: Richard Hannon

Had dropped 3lb below his last winning mark when second of nine behind course-specialist Whitcombe Rockstar at Kempton (1m4f, Polytrack) last month, his first start in 75 days; races off the same mark, but he hasn't tackled a trip this short in three years; stable runs three.

12/1

Form: 081263 D

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Both turf wins were at Chester, latest in May; however, he went very close off today's mark against Insanity in this race last year and was not at all disgraced back at Ascot 15 days ago; one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

(7)

28th Sep 2025

Good

1m 4f 6y

Class 4

15:30 Epsom

Dream Harder

10st 2lb

J: Ryan Kavanagh

T: Ian Williams

Good second off this mark in better race over C&D on Derby day, having scored at Chester the time before; not in the same form since and suffered a heavy defeat last Sunday.

16/1

4

(11)

21st Sep 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 4f 14y

Class 3

17:40 Southwell (AW)

Dream Harder

9st 12lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Ian Williams

Has only won over 1m4f at Chester in his last 26 starts; feasibly handicapped but he hasn't threatened in last four runs and others are more persuasive; 0-2 here.

11/1

Form: -41532 CD

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Won three times in a row (twice made the running) last summer and back on the scoresheet from Ocean Of Dreams over C&D (good to firm) this May; good third in valuable handicap at Haydock next time and runner-up back over C&D on latest start; looks set to be bang there once again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

4

(1)

28th Apr 2026

Good To Firm

1m 4f 6y

Class 3

15:50 Epsom

Night Breeze

9st 1lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Ian Williams

Not disgraced in last year's Northern Dancer over C&D (good; likely softer) on sole start here; also won twice at Ascot (good to firm) last term; back to form on last two starts, latterly when beaten 2l at Musselburgh (also 1m4f, good) on Sunday; should make his presence felt.

9/2

4th

1

(3)

26th Apr 2026

Good

1m 4f 104y

Class 4

17:15 Musselburgh

Night Breeze

9st 11lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Ian Williams

Won off just 1lb lower at Ascot (1m4f, good to firm) last August, his second win there last year; 0-12 on AW but close third on latest start (first with tongue tied) was up with his best form; should go well.

9/2

16

(5)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 2

16:10 Newcastle (AW)

Night Breeze

8st 7lb

T: Ian Williams

33/1

Form: 8-3663

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
0-8 in handicaps; easily his best 2025 efforts were two thirds over C&D on good to firm, including when on the heels of Night Breeze on latest start, wearing first-time blinkers, but he needs to find extra.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

(4)

25th Sep 2025

Good

1m 4f 0y

Class 4

16:45 Newmarket

Houstonn

9st 12lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Richard Hannon

0-10 in handicaps; twice third over 1m4f at Ascot this year but last two efforts have been below par; dropped another 3lb but it's not enough to tempt.

9/1

1

(6)

16th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

1m 4f 0y

Class 4

16:45 Newbury

Houstonn

10st 2lb

J: Alec Voikhansky

T: Richard Hannon

0-9 in handicaps; best form when second in the closing 1m2f race on this card last year; some respectable shows over 1m4f too, including with first-time blinkers (kept since) on penultimate start; last of ten back at Ascot last Saturday, admittedly in a Shergar Cup race and not beaten far but others have more pressing claims.

9/1

10

(3)

9th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

14:45 Ascot

Houstonn

9st 4lb

J: Ryusei Sakai

T: Richard Hannon

0-8 in handicaps; easily his best 2025 efforts were two thirds over C&D on good to firm, including when on the heels of Night Breeze on latest start, wearing first-time blinkers, but he needs to find extra.

16/1

Non-runners

Ocean Of Dreams

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £34.30
Straight Forecast £37.58
Tricast £158.54
Trifecta £172.40

Selections

TOPSPEED:

Night Breeze

SPOTLIGHT:

Dramatic Star

RP RATINGS:

Houstonn

The Guardian:

Dream Harder

Telegraph:

Candyman Stan

NEWMARKET:

Dramatic Star

The Times:

Dramatic Star

The Star:

Dramatic Star

POSTDATA:

Night Breeze

Daily Mail:

Night Breeze

D Express:

Night Breeze

Daily Record:

Night Breeze

Daily Mirror:

Houstonn

The Sun:

Dream Harder