August 12 / 15.55 Ascot

15.55

Soft

Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Classic (Handicap)

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

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

13/2 (Won)

  • Win: £8.00
  • Place: £2.30

Form: 312733

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 12lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Both wins on Southwell's Tapeta but he has achieved better RPRs on turf since, posting another solid effort when third (Like A Tiger fifth) in a Racing League handicap at Yarmouth (1m2f, good to soft) 16 days ago; steps back up in trip now.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

9

(1)

13th Sep 2023

Standard

1m 4f 14y

Class 2

20:45 Southwell (AW)

Regal Empire

8st 9lb

J: Josephine Gordon

T: James Tate

Ran well in Racing League event at Yarmouth (1m2f) in July, then rallied tenaciously to land the Shergar Cup Classic at Ascot (1m4f) last month; 2-3 at Southwell early this year and commands respect back here; this 3yo colt is open to further improvement.

5/1

1st

4

(6)

12th Aug 2023

Soft

1m 3f 211y

Class 3

15:55 Ascot

Regal Empire

9st 12lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: James Tate

Both wins on Southwell's Tapeta but he has achieved better RPRs on turf since, posting another solid effort when third (Like A Tiger fifth) in a Racing League handicap at Yarmouth (1m2f, good to soft) 16 days ago; steps back up in trip now.

13/2

3rd

9

(3)

27th Jul 2023

Good To Soft

1m 2f 23y

Class 2

20:30 Yarmouth

Regal Empire

8st 3lb

J: Josephine Gordon

T: James Tate

First four runs were on Tapeta this January/February, winning 1m novice and 1m3f handicap; good 4l second to Like A Tiger in handicap at Newmarket (1m2f Rowley Course, good to soft) on turf debut in April; not disgraced in Lingfield Derby Trial (run on AW this year) next time and made a solid return to turf when third of ten on the July Course at Newmarket (good to firm) 27 days ago; each-way claims.

9/1

16/1

  • Place: £3.00

Form: 120336 D

Last run: 10 days

W: 10st 1lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Won in the mud at Chester (extended 1m4f, soft) on his reappearance and useful efforts when placed in good-quality handicaps at up to 1m6f since, including over C&D and on good to firm; lesser run at Glorious Goodwood last week but he's capable of bouncing back in first-time cheekpieces.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

8

14th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 47y

Class 4

13:58 Perth

Struth

11st 5lb

J: Gregor Walkingshaw

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Useful on the Flat in his prime but has yet to better fair form over hurdles, weakening into a well-held fifth on 2m2f Kelso handicap debut in this sphere 24 days ago; might have needed that after a break but he's still hard to make a good case for.

20/1

5th

3

20th Apr 2026

Good

2m 2f 25y

Class 5

16:00 Kelso

Struth

11st 8lb

J: Derek Fox

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Showed only minor promise in three novice/maiden hurdles (1m7f-2m) last September-November but was useful on the Flat in his prime and may yet transfer more of that ability to this code; wears first-time tongue-tie for handicap hurdle debut; market may guide.

11/2

10th

5

24th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 47y

Class 4

14:33 Perth

Struth

11st 0lb

J: Derek Fox

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Very useful on the Flat in his prime but has not been firing on all cylinders this year and made a low-key stable/hurdle debut when well-held fourth over C&D (good) 16 days ago; needs to take a big step forward today.

10/1

7/1

  • Place: £3.00

Form: 1-73 BF

Last run: 34 days

W: 9st 8lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Odds-on winner last season; yard was quiet and he raced freely when disappointing on reappearance at Listed level and he got back on track after a break when third in a 1m2f novice at Chelmsford five weeks ago; wandered around a bit under pressure in the latter but inexperience could still have been a factor; an entry in the Great Voltigeur would suggest he's still well regarded and has to be of interest from an opening mark in the 80s on this first attempt at 1m4f.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

(7)

27th Feb 2026

Standard

1m 4f 51y

Class 4

19:45 Wolverhampton (AW)

Intinso

9st 11lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Craig Lidster

Slightly resurgent on reappearance but needs to build on that effort and remains far from solid on his form for current stable; was a useful sort for previous yard.

20/1

6th

4

(2)

31st Jan 2026

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 3

16:25 Newcastle (AW)

Intinso

9st 7lb

J: Shane Gray

T: Craig Lidster

Useful performer at up to 1m6f for the Gosdens but regressive for his current yard and tailed off in his last five starts, including on hurdling debut in August; has plenty to prove on his return and last win was almost two years ago.

25/1

4

23rd Aug 2025

Good

2m 1f 46y

Class 4

15:55 Cartmel

Intinso

11st 2lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Craig Lidster

Useful Flat performer at up to 1m6f for the Gosdens but regressive for his current yard and tailed off on his last four starts (blinkered on latest); perhaps he'll be sweetened up by hurdling but he carries obvious risks.

10/1

Form: 118142 D

Last run: 22 days

W: 9st 5lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Successful three times (on AW and good to firm) this season; ran well at Newbury (1m4f, good) three weeks ago despite finishing lame; drying ground would be in his favour, as he finished last on both his outings on softer than good; raised another 3lb though.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

11

(3)

27th Sep 2023

Standard To Slow

1m 2f 219y

Class 3

19:00 Kempton (AW)

Sovereign Spirit

9st 5lb

J: William Carver

T: Andrew Balding

Unsuited by soft ground last time out but a solid contender in 1m4f turf handicaps previously; higher in the weights than when winning his latest two AW races, over 1m4f at Lingfield, but the manner of the most recent win suggests the return to AW will be a good move; respected.

9/1

4th

6

(2)

27th Aug 2023

Good

1m 3f 218y

Class 2

15:35 Goodwood

Sovereign Spirit

8st 9lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

raced in third and in touch with leaders, weakened and eased over 1f out

9/2

4th

8

(9)

12th Aug 2023

Soft

1m 3f 211y

Class 3

15:55 Ascot

Sovereign Spirit

9st 5lb

J: Kazuo Yokoyama

T: Andrew Balding

Successful three times (on AW and good to firm) this season; ran well at Newbury (1m4f, good) three weeks ago despite finishing lame; drying ground would be in his favour, as he finished last on both his outings on softer than good; raised another 3lb though.

20/1

OUR TIP

Form: 0-1641

Last run: 25 days

W: 10st 2lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Going the right way, seeing off her seven rivals in a 1m3f Killarney fillies' handicap on yielding last month; 1m4f should be within range but she'll need a very useful performance to defy top weight against the boys.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

17th

19

(2)

20th Jun 2025

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

15:40 Ascot

Satin

9st 3lb

J: Shane Foley

T: Mrs John Harrington

Progressive in 2023 and well handicapped on best of that form; it's not been repeated and she finished last in her only two races (last August) on firmer than good; while there's renewed hope to be gained from the competitive displays on her last two outings, others look more potent as win prospects.

25/1

3rd

5

(1)

16th May 2025

Good

1m 6f 0y

19:23 Leopardstown

Satin

9st 2lb

J: Shane Foley

T: Mrs John Harrington

Smart handicap form in 2023 included C&D win in premier handicap; below par during a light campaign last year but much more encouraging effort on second start this term when forcing pace in 1m4f Cork handicap 10 days ago, rallying well when beaten a neck; less negatives than some of these regarding trip and ground so could be the one to follow Kyprios home.

14/1

Form: 6-241 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 3lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Showed promise in his qualifying runs and took it up another notch when stepped up to 1m4f for his handicap debut at Doncaster (soft) three weeks ago, getting on top towards the finish with the front two 7l clear; 5lb rise looks manageable with further progress likely; Richard Fahey teamed up with Olivier Peslier to win this race in 2014.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

5

(9)

2nd Feb 2026

Standard

1m 4f 51y

Class 6

17:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Golden Move

10st 12lb

J: Mr Liam McGaffin

T: Christopher Kellett

Flat (1m4f) and hurdle winner (1m7f), but he's been out of sorts under both codes in seven runs for his current yard; has lots to prove and he needs a major revival back up in trip; first-time blinkers.

33/1

9th

2

(3)

16th Jan 2026

Standard

1m 1f 104y

Class 6

17:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Golden Move

9st 12lb

J: Rose Dawes

T: Christopher Kellett

Flat (1m4f) and hurdle winner (1m7f) but he's been out of sorts under both codes in six runs for his current yard; has lots to prove and he needs a major revival back on the Flat; equipment removed.

25/1

5

(5)

19th Aug 2025

Standard

1m 4f 51y

Class 5

20:40 Wolverhampton (AW)

Golden Move

9st 11lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Christopher Kellett

Won a 1m4f handicap for Richard Fahey in July 2023 and was subsequently sold for 215,000gns to go jumping; won a Wincanton handicap hurdle for Paul Nicholls last December, but hasn't achieved anything of note for this yard; makes AW debut.

33/1

12/1

Form: 162111

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
Reserve; made it an impressive five handicap wins in his last seven starts when seeing off six rivals at Doncaster (1m2f, soft) 16 days ago; this longer trip asks a different question but no surprise were he to pull out more again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

28th May 2025

Good To Soft

2m 6f 31y

Class 4

19:10 Cartmel

Golden Maverick

11st 11lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Jamie Snowden

Rewarded determined ride when keeping on strongly from poor position to lead on the post at Carlisle (2m1f, soft; visored) in February but again raced lazily at Stratford (2m, good to soft; first-time blinkers) in March, where he was beaten before final-flight fall; worth a go over this longer trip but it's hard to predict the extent to which he'll warm to the task; visor refitted.

11/2

3

28th May 2025

Good To Soft

2m 6f 31y

Class 4

19:10 Cartmel

Golden Maverick

11st 11lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Jamie Snowden

Rewarded determined ride when keeping on strongly from poor position to lead on the post at Carlisle (2m1f, soft; visored) in February but again raced lazily at Stratford (2m, good to soft; first-time blinkers) in March, where he was beaten before final-flight fall; worth a go over this longer trip but it's hard to predict the extent to which he'll warm to the task; visor refitted.

11/2

2

10th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 70y

Class 3

15:20 Stratford

Golden Maverick

11st 9lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Jamie Snowden

raced lazily at times, prominent, hit 3rd, reminder before 4 out, lost ground on turn before last, weakening when fell last

4/1

Form: 31-165 BF

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 13lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Had the reopposing Regal Empire 4l back in second when a striking winner of a 1m2f Newmarket handicap (good to soft) on his reappearance in April; the tables were turned in a Racing League handicap at Yarmouth (1m2f, good to soft) 16 days ago but he still performed with credit and it's possible today's longer trip can unlock some improvement.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

3

(4)

12th Aug 2023

Soft

1m 3f 211y

Class 3

15:55 Ascot

Like A Tiger

9st 13lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: James Ferguson

Had the reopposing Regal Empire 4l back in second when a striking winner of a 1m2f Newmarket handicap (good to soft) on his reappearance in April; the tables were turned in a Racing League handicap at Yarmouth (1m2f, good to soft) 16 days ago but he still performed with credit and it's possible today's longer trip can unlock some improvement.

13/2

5th

8

(10)

27th Jul 2023

Good To Soft

1m 2f 23y

Class 2

20:30 Yarmouth

Like A Tiger

8st 6lb

J: Hayley Turner

T: James Ferguson

Great Voltigeur entry; the ground was good to soft when the striking winner of a 1m2f Newmarket handicap on his reappearance in April but good when well held in a Listed race back there at the Guineas meeting; not seen since (withdrawn from a few intended engagements due to quick ground) but he's proved he's capable when fresh and ground conditions seem likely to be in his favour; big player.

9/2

Form: 1130 D

Last run: 10 days

W: 9st 3lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Looked quite useful when winning a pair of AW novices over 1m4f at the start of the year but tailed off on last week's 1m4f Goodwood turf debut (soft) after five months off; can only be watched after that.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

13

(11)

18th Oct 2023

Standard To Slow

1m 3f 219y

Class 4

20:00 Kempton (AW)

French Invasion

9st 4lb

J: Richard Kingscote

T: Charlie Johnston

in touch with leaders early, led after 2f, headed and prominent after 4f

16/1

8th

7

(2)

23rd Sep 2023

Good To Soft

1m 3f 188y

Class 4

17:30 York

French Invasion

9st 5lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Charlie Johnston

Couple of AW novice wins early in year; has shown he's effective on turf with creditable efforts at Newmarket (1m4f, good to firm) and Haydock (1m6f, good) the last twice; could go well again.

8/1

4th

7

(2)

9th Sep 2023

Good

1m 6f 1y

Class 2

14:25 Haydock

French Invasion

8st 3lb

J: Joe Fanning

T: Charlie Johnston

Two-time AW novice winner who returned to form when second at Newmarket (1m4f, good to firm) recently; this is tougher but he hung last time so could be better suited by this flat track, and his pedigree provides hope he'll improve for the step up in trip; no surprise to see another good run.

14/1

Form: 32-1

Last run: 45 days

W: 9st 8lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Well bred and suited by the step up to 1m2f when coming good at the third time of asking on his Salisbury reappearance in June; that was on good to firm but runner-up on soft as 2yo; the Salisbury form doesn't look anything special but he enters the reckoning as a lightly raced sort from a top yard.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

6

(11)

12th Aug 2023

Soft

1m 3f 211y

Class 3

15:55 Ascot

Rajasthan

9st 8lb

J: Hayley Turner

T: John & Thady Gosden

Well bred and suited by the step up to 1m2f when coming good at the third time of asking on his Salisbury reappearance in June; that was on good to firm but runner-up on soft as 2yo; the Salisbury form doesn't look anything special but he enters the reckoning as a lightly raced sort from a top yard.

7/2

1st

3

(5)

28th Jun 2023

Good To Firm

1m 1f 201y

Class 4

16:10 Salisbury

Rajasthan

9st 4lb

J: Robert Havlin

T: John & Thady Gosden

in touch with leaders

10/11

6

(4)

21st Apr 2023

Soft

1m 2f 0y

Class 2

15:15 Newbury

Rajasthan

9st 4lb

J: Frankie Dettori

T: John & Thady Gosden

Dante entry; well bred (1m2f should suit) and a short-priced favourite when placed at Yarmouth (7f, good to soft) and Newbury (1m, soft) last autumn; others have done a bit more but, from powerful yard, he needs respect.

6/1

Non-runners

Rogue Sea, Scintillante

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £71.30
Straight Forecast £77.08
Tricast £975.73
Trifecta £1310.80

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Golden Move

NEWMARKET:

Intinso

D Express:

Rajasthan

POSTDATA:

Satin

TOPSPEED:

Sovereign Spirit

Telegraph:

Intinso

The Guardian:

Intinso

Daily Mail:

Intinso

RP RATINGS:

Golden Move

THE NORTH:

Golden Move

Daily Mirror:

Golden Move

The Sun:

Golden Move

The Star:

Golden Move

Daily Record:

Rajasthan

The Times:

Satin