August 08 / 14.45 Ascot

14.45

Good To Firm

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

  • Prize money: £41803
  • 1m 3f 211y
  • Class 2
  • 12 runners
ITV
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Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Challenge (Handicap) (GBBPlus Race)

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

13/2 (Won)

  • Win: £7.50
  • Place: £1.95

Form: 341406 D

Last run: 29 days

W: 9st 8lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Seen mostly at up to 1m4f so perhaps unwise to read all that much into last two defeats over 2m and 1m6f; not impossibly treated on his solid 1m4f form earlier this season, and last year's efforts included a 2l defeat in this (not seen to best effect) and a victory over Insanity at York (1m4f, good to firm); in the mix.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

6

(9)

8th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

14:45 Ascot

Asgards Captain

9st 8lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: Dylan Cunha

Seen mostly at up to 1m4f so perhaps unwise to read all that much into last two defeats over 2m and 1m6f; not impossibly treated on his solid 1m4f form earlier this season, and last year's efforts included a 2l defeat in this (not seen to best effect) and a victory over Insanity at York (1m4f, good to firm); in the mix.

13/2

6th

5

(3)

10th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:00 Newmarket (July)

Asgards Captain

9st 1lb

J: David Egan

T: Dylan Cunha

Seen mostly at up to 1m4f, over which he delivered a telling late challenge on the other Newmarket track in May; while that looked encouraging for longer trips, his one attempt at 1m6f (on soft last July) and two at 2m (last two Northumberland Plates) saw him well beaten; that's not conclusive proof that he won't stay 1m6f but it leaves his stamina unproven.

33/1

12th

11

(13)

27th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

15:15 Newcastle (AW)

Asgards Captain

9st 1lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: Dylan Cunha

Three wins at this track but he came 13th in this race last year; that was his only appearance over this long a trip and he was also below form when he had a crack at 1m6f, so he's unproven beyond 1m4f, over which he's contested his last nine starts; stamina is the big doubt.

16/1

14/1

  • Place: £4.25

Form: 071310 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 8lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
His 1m4f win on good to firm at Newmarket in July reads well but has finished behind Castle Stuart in their recent clashes and beat only one home in the John Smith's Cup four weeks ago; probably vulnerable off this mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

8

(6)

8th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

14:45 Ascot

Sportingsilvermine

9st 8lb

J: Yutaka Take

T: James Owen

His 1m4f win on good to firm at Newmarket in July reads well but has finished behind Castle Stuart in their recent clashes and beat only one home in the John Smith's Cup four weeks ago; probably vulnerable off this mark.

14/1

21th

15

(12)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

15:45 York

Sportingsilvermine

8st 12lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: James Owen

Easy win at Beverley (1m2f, good to firm) in May before solid third of 16 over this C&D (good), and he improved again to win at Newmarket (1m4f, good to firm) last Saturday; today's assignment is tougher still but this thriving 5yo could be in the each-way mix under a 5lb penalty.

25/1

1st

12

(5)

4th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 4f 0y

Class 2

15:15 Newmarket (July)

Sportingsilvermine

8st 9lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: James Owen

Won last March/April on first two starts for yard; took just one of 16 races since but that was penultimate start (Beverley 1m2f, good to firm) and last month's third of 16 off this mark in a Class 2 at York (1m2f) was as good as he's ever been; stays 1m4f; not the percentage call but not impossible.

20/1

25/1

  • Place: £7.70

Form: 310990 C

Last run: 35 days

W: 9st 12lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Won 1m4f/2m handicaps on the AW early this year; only 3-38 on turf but quite encouraging runs in hot 1m3f/1m6f handicaps before finishing tailed off at Newmarket after starting slowly (1m4f); it wouldn't be a bolt from the blue should he run well but others are safer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

5

(5)

8th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

14:45 Ascot

Enemy

9st 12lb

J: Mme Frida Valle Skar

T: Ian Williams

Won 1m4f/2m handicaps on the AW early this year; only 3-38 on turf but quite encouraging runs in hot 1m3f/1m6f handicaps before finishing tailed off at Newmarket after starting slowly (1m4f); it wouldn't be a bolt from the blue should he run well but others are safer.

25/1

12th

6

(9)

4th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 4f 0y

Class 2

15:15 Newmarket (July)

Enemy

9st 6lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: Ian Williams

Won 1m4f/2m handicaps on the AW early this year; beaten just over 7l in hot handicaps at Carlisle (1m3f) and Royal Ascot (1m6f) on last two outings, shaping much better than ninth of 16 suggests in the latter (big move to dispute lead early in straight) but his turf strike-rate is 3-37.

33/1

9th

9

(18)

16th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 34y

Class 2

18:10 Ascot

Enemy

9st 10lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: Ian Williams

Won 1m4f/2m handicaps on the AW (3-36 on turf) earlier this year but this is a different ball game altogether and his run at Carlisle 17 days ago was no more than average; plenty of others appeal more.

50/1

OUR TIP

13/2

Form: 9/952- D

Last run: 248 days

W: 10st 0lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Useful at her best in South Africa; steady progress in three runs for William Haggas, last time going close in a Class 2 1m3f handicap on the AW in December; couldn't put it past her trainer having her cherry ripe after a break for this, a race he won four years ago; stays this far but fast ground would be a first.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

3

(11)

8th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

14:45 Ascot

Frances Ethel

10st 0lb

J: C Y Ho

T: William Haggas

Useful at her best in South Africa; steady progress in three runs for William Haggas, last time going close in a Class 2 1m3f handicap on the AW in December; couldn't put it past her trainer having her cherry ripe after a break for this, a race he won four years ago; stays this far but fast ground would be a first.

13/2

3

(9)

10th Oct 2025

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 1

16:45 Newmarket

Frances Ethel

9st 5lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: William Haggas

Four wins in a row last January-April (1m-1m4f) before her close fourth in 1m2f Grade 1 that May; went off the boil last November and now has her first run since leaving South Africa; probably needs overall improvement.

25/1

Form: 341233 CD

Last run: 11 days

W: 10st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Had three of these behind when winning this last year off 11lb lower (good to firm); looks even better now, probably not seen to best effect behind Sportingsilvermine at Newmarket before a sterling effort at Glorious Goodwood over an inadequate 1m2f; likes it here and he's hard to knock.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

4

(7)

8th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

14:45 Ascot

Night Breeze

10st 0lb

J: Dylan Browne McMonagle

T: Ian Williams

Had three of these behind when winning this last year off 11lb lower (good to firm); looks even better now, probably not seen to best effect behind Sportingsilvermine at Newmarket before a sterling effort at Glorious Goodwood over an inadequate 1m2f; likes it here and he's hard to knock.

100/30

3rd

10

(11)

28th Jul 2026

Good

1m 1f 197y

Class 2

13:50 Goodwood

Night Breeze

8st 12lb

J: Edward Greatrex

T: Ian Williams

Runner-up in 2024 on his only appearance at this track; reliable sort who hit new heights over 1m4f on last three outings, so this drop back in trip asks a question but he needs respect.

16/1

3rd

7

(4)

4th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 4f 0y

Class 2

15:15 Newmarket (July)

Night Breeze

9st 4lb

J: Edward Greatrex

T: Ian Williams

Reliable and progressive on a variety of ground and courses, although has never raced at Newmarket; third in this race last year; hit new heights at Epsom (1m4f) on last two outings and makes each-way appeal.

14/1

11/2

Form: 220-20 CD

Last run: 50 days

W: 10st 1lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Has history in this race, having won it two seasons ago and only a length behind Night Breeze last year (good to firm; could have done with a truer gallop); just 2lb higher than 12 months ago and perhaps unwise to come down too harshly on his defeat at Royal Ascot, especially when his comeback run was so encouraging; shortlisted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

(10)

8th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

14:45 Ascot

Insanity

10st 1lb

J: Mme Marie Velon

T: Alan King

Has history in this race, having won it two seasons ago and only a length behind Night Breeze last year (good to firm; could have done with a truer gallop); just 2lb higher than 12 months ago and perhaps unwise to come down too harshly on his defeat at Royal Ascot, especially when his comeback run was so encouraging; shortlisted.

11/2

13th

14

(3)

19th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

15:40 Ascot

Insanity

9st 6lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Alan King

C&D winner who mostly ran well last season and did so again when second at Pontefract (1m2f) on reappearance this April; each-way chance if he can avoid trouble from an inside stall.

25/1

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

Form: 60-504 C

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 6lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Veteran with ten wins to his name; behind some of these on two visits to York this summer but wasn't disgraced in a C&D handicap 15 days ago on a rare foray over this far; could have some part to play.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

9

(1)

8th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

14:45 Ascot

Fantasy Believer

9st 6lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: Ed Walker

Veteran with ten wins to his name; behind some of these on two visits to York this summer but wasn't disgraced in a C&D handicap 15 days ago on a rare foray over this far; could have some part to play.

7/1

4th

6

(6)

24th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

16:05 Ascot

Fantasy Believer

9st 6lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Ed Walker

In the veteran stage now but his two runs at York this term prove he still retains ability, latterly when sticking on into midfield in valuable 10.5f event a fortnight ago; his sole start at 1m4f (in December 2024) returned his best RPR and this second attempt is well worth another go.

16/1

11th

14

(22)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

15:45 York

Fantasy Believer

9st 0lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Ed Walker

Did well to finish fifth of 16 over C&D (good) on reappearance four weeks ago having been hampered soon after the start and raced wide; however, he goes well fresh so may not improve for that outing, and it's likely this 9yo will be vulnerable against numerous unexposed contenders.

50/1

12/1

Form: 778518 C

Last run: 35 days

W: 10st 2lb

7 yo Colt

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Dropped into a Class 3 when making all at Windsor (extended 1m3f, good to firm) and well beaten off this 5lb higher mark at Newmarket; he can be up and down, and could finish only eighth in this last year.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

1

(12)

8th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

14:45 Ascot

Claymore

10st 2lb

J: Jerry Chau

T: Jane Chapple-Hyam

Dropped into a Class 3 when making all at Windsor (extended 1m3f, good to firm) and well beaten off this 5lb higher mark at Newmarket; he can be up and down, and could finish only eighth in this last year.

12/1

8th

4

(1)

4th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 4f 0y

Class 2

15:15 Newmarket (July)

Claymore

9st 8lb

J: Silvestre De Sousa

T: Jane Chapple-Hyam

Often front-runner; won well over C&D on good to firm last July; somewhat back down the weights and in class when winning another Class 3 in seven-runner race at Windsor (11.4f, good to firm; made all) last Saturday in good style; back up 5lb for this Class 2 but each-way claims.

12/1

1st

1

(4)

27th Jun 2026

Good

1m 3f 99y

Class 3

19:45 Windsor

Claymore

9st 9lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Jane Chapple-Hyam

A two-time 1m4f scorer in 2025; returned from a spell in Meydan with a solid fifth of 12 in 1m3f handicap at Carlisle four weeks ago; not out of things with Billy Loughnane now up.

9/4

Form: -66023

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Can race freely and hooded for his last two races at York, in the latest finishing a highly respectable third (promoted from fourth) in the John Smith's Cup (extended 1m2f; good to firm) for which he was 4lb well in; now 3lb higher and surprisingly goes without any headgear, but he's got some momentum behind him.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

7

(8)

8th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

14:45 Ascot

Castle Stuart

9st 8lb

J: L J Ferraris

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Can race freely and hooded for his last two races at York, in the latest finishing a highly respectable third (promoted from fourth) in the John Smith's Cup (extended 1m2f; good to firm) for which he was 4lb well in; now 3lb higher and surprisingly goes without any headgear, but he's got some momentum behind him.

6/1

3rd

17

(7)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

15:45 York

Castle Stuart

8st 9lb

J: Barry McHugh

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Has been headstrong in the past and he returned to form in a first-time hood (retained) with a close second of 16 over C&D (good) four weeks ago; today's company is tougher but he seems to like it here and remains well treated on last season's best efforts; due a 4lb rise; each-way chance.

16/1

2nd

9

(11)

12th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

16:10 York

Castle Stuart

8st 12lb

J: Barry McHugh

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Dual winner for Karl Burke who posted respectable sixths over 1m2f (including here) on first two starts of the year for this yard; raced freely when disappointing over a stiff 1m3f a fortnight ago and the return to this trip looks a positive; added hood may help too.

16/1

10th
10 (3)
Stem

7/1

Form: 2-9041

Last run: 35 days

W: 9st 6lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Looked as though he needed further than 1m when a rallying fourth at Newmarket in June and he duly obliged returned to 1m2f at Sandown; didn't have a lot in hand that day but only went up 2lb and he could approve for going even further this afternoon.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

10

(3)

8th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

14:45 Ascot

Stem

9st 6lb

J: Jamie Melham

T: Richard Hannon

Looked as though he needed further than 1m when a rallying fourth at Newmarket in June and he duly obliged returned to 1m2f at Sandown; didn't have a lot in hand that day but only went up 2lb and he could approve for going even further this afternoon.

7/1

1st

8

(6)

4th Jul 2026

Good

1m 1f 209y

Class 2

17:22 Sandown

Stem

9st 5lb

J: Pat Dobbs

T: Richard Hannon

Off the bridle a long way out over 1m at Newmarket 15 days ago but he did stick at it for fourth of 13, suggesting this return to 1m2f for the first time this year may suit; nicely handicapped on his second at Newbury on his final 3yo start.

7/1

4th

8

(13)

19th Jun 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

19:45 Newmarket (July)

Stem

9st 13lb

J: Alec Voikhansky

T: Richard Hannon

Runner-up last September in his first two handicaps (1m2f/1m, soft/good to soft) and not beaten far when ninth of 24 on reappearance in the Spring Cup at Newbury (1m, good); perhaps unsuited by Epsom when down the field a fortnight ago and this unexposed 4yo remains one to be interested in.

7/1

16/1

Form: /88-50

Last run: 106 days

W: 9st 5lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

(2)

8th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

14:45 Ascot

Genealogy

9st 5lb

T: Faye Bramley

16/1

1st

6

12th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

2m 0f 70y

Class 4

15:35 Stratford

Genealogy

11st 0lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Faye Bramley

Had wind surgery since failing to land the odds at Worcester (2m; bled from nose) last time on debut for Faye Bramley; form for Irish yards featured a success on the Flat and good second over hurdles; major contender provided he's back on song.

9/4

2nd

4

17th Jun 2026

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

14:40 Worcester

Genealogy

10st 13lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Faye Bramley

Useful Flat racer who came second in a good-quality Ascot juvenile hurdle (1m7f, soft; also suited by good ground) for Denis Hogan in January; his two runs either side of that weren't quite as good but he still has strong claims on this stable debut.

2/5

14/1

Form: 936881

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 3lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12

(4)

8th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

14:45 Ascot

Parlando

9st 3lb

T: Ian Williams

14/1

1st

2

(6)

25th Jul 2026

Good

1m 2f 70y

Class 4

16:58 Chester

Parlando

10st 0lb

J: Ryan Kavanagh

T: Ian Williams

Capable handicapper off this mark but has gone badly off the boil in last three races, admittedly in higher grades; still has a bit to prove now and failed to fire on his previous visit here.

10/1

8th

4

(2)

13th Jun 2026

Good

1m 3f 188y

Class 3

13:50 York

Parlando

10st 5lb

J: Miss Amy Milburn

T: Ian Williams

Good third over 1m4f on Kempton AW in March and again ran well when filling the same position at Pontefract (1m2f, good) in April; a case can be made on those efforts but subsequent evidence suggests he's gone off the boil.

12/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £97.70
Straight Forecast £102.34
Tricast £2714.36
Trifecta £2907.40

Selections

The Guardian:

Night Breeze

RP RATINGS:

Stem

NEWMARKET:

Asgard's Captain

POSTDATA:

Fantasy Believer

SPOTLIGHT:

Castle Stuart

Telegraph:

Sportingsilvermine

TOPSPEED:

Insanity

The Star:

Stem

Daily Mail:

Night Breeze

D Express:

Night Breeze

Daily Mirror:

Night Breeze

The Sun:

Night Breeze

Daily Record:

Night Breeze

The Times:

Asgard's Captain

LAMBOURN:

Fantasy Believer