August 10 / 13.35 Ascot

13.35

Good

Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Dash (Handicap)

  • Prize money: £39344
  • 0m 5f 0y
  • Class 2
  • 10 runners
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Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Dash (Handicap)

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

8/1 (Won)

  • Win: £5.00
  • Place: £1.90

Form: 3-8221

Last run: 56 days

W: 8st 13lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
4yo who posted a career best when beating 19 others at York (6f, good to soft) in June, strong at the finish; has a progressive profile and may be capable of better still, although today's drop in trip isn't an obvious positive (0-4 at 5f).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

(1)

12th Jul 2025

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

16:50 Ascot

Holkham Bay

9st 12lb

J: Brandon Wilkie

T: William Knight

Progressive last year, with his three wins including two at Ascot (one over C&D); confirmed his affinity for the track with a good fourth in the Wokingham three weeks ago, a race where he was finishing fast up the stands' rail and comfortably beating the others to race on that part of the track; 1lb rise manageable but with the stalls on the stands' side there must be a query over the suitability of stall 1.

7/2

4th

29

(29)

21st Jun 2025

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Holkham Bay

9st 0lb

J: Brandon Wilkie

T: William Knight

Regularly runs well in big-field sprints and in fine form here in 2024, finishing a close second of 26 over C&D before winning both subsequent starts (good and soft); may be high in the weights relative to this class of race but he shouldn't be far away following a luckless Goodwood run and then slightly short of room at York since.

20/1

7th

3

(12)

14th May 2025

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:42 York

Holkham Bay

9st 7lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: William Knight

Made good progress last season, winning handicaps over C&D and twice at Ascot (5f and 6f); unplaced twice this year but looked to need the run at Southwell and then met plenty of trouble at Goodwood 12 days ago (saw little daylight between 2f out and 1f out as the race was unfolding); 1lb lower today and Oisin Murphy, who won on him at Ascot in October, takes over; still has something to prove on good to firm, albeit he had a bleak draw when well held at the Ebor meeting last year.

6/1

9/1

  • Place: £3.50

Form: 65-409 D

Last run: 36 days

W: 9st 3lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Third to Big Evs in last year's Molecomb at Goodwood but rather a damp squib since, outclassed in the King Charles III over C&D before last of nine in handicap at Doncaster (wore cheekpieces); hard to fancy on recent evidence but could be revived by recent gelding operation and Billy Loughnane rides.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

6

(3)

29th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

16:55 Goodwood

Kylian

9st 6lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: Robert Cowell

Rarely seen on a downhill track but ran a corking race in Group 3 over C&D as 2yo; often well below best in 2026 but intermittent flashes of form have lightened the gloom, including when a close fourth at Pontefract (5f, good to firm; first-time visor, retained) latest; on the risky side overall.

8/1

4th

5

(3)

16th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 3y

Class 2

17:45 Pontefract

Kylian

9st 5lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Robert Cowell

His mark continues to fall and there were promising signs at Newcastle (5f, AW) in June; however, two lesser runs have followed and he has to turn things around in a first-time visor (has worn cheekpieces/blinkers this term).

6/1

12

(10)

8th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

13:35 Ascot

Kylian

9st 4lb

T: Robert Cowell

12/1

12/1

  • Place: £3.20

Form: 821540 CD

Last run: 7 days

W: 9st 5lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Has been a fine money-spinner for connections, and he swooped late to win the Dash at Epsom in June before running at least as well when fourth over this C&D (good ground) the following month; runs off the same mark here but has to put a poor effort in last week's Stewards' Cup well behind him.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

8

(6)

29th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

16:55 Goodwood

Dream Composer

9st 1lb

J: Dougie Costello

T: Tony Carroll

Dual course winner who isn't too fussy about the ground; had a quiet spell for last trainer but has taken advantage of a handy mark for new yard this year, winning twice over 5f, and he looked to be still in form at Windsor (6f) 19 days ago; shouldn't be far away.

8/1

4th

13

(7)

10th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 12y

Class 2

19:15 Windsor

Dream Composer

8st 11lb

J: Myla Coppins

T: Tony Carroll

Multiple wins include two over 5f for new yard this year, the first under Myla Coppins and the second on this track; did win once over 6f back in 2022 but it's a long time since he played a part over this trip.

16/1

5th

2

(7)

1st Jul 2026

Good

0m 6f 3y

Class 4

18:22 Epsom

Dream Composer

10st 4lb

J: Dougie Costello

T: Tony Carroll

Hit the ground running for this yard, his Ripon win in April backed up by arguably unlucky fourth at Goodwood the following month; not beaten far in the Dash here next time and led on the line at Windsor (again 5f, good to firm) last Monday; 4lb penalty to overcome and his best has come at 5f, but he's still considered.

7/2

Form: 112312 D

Last run: 29 days

W: 9st 13lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 104

Form & Verdict
Tough and reliable filly; three 5f wins this year include Listed races at Bath (good) and Sandown (good to soft), and she ran another cracker when second of 12 in Group 3 at York (6f, good to soft) four weeks ago; also ran well on her only outing at Ascot; quick ground would be a slight concern but otherwise she's hard to knock.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

1

(10)

19th Jul 2025

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

17:20 Newbury

Adaay In Devon

10st 4lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: Rod Millman

Had a fine year in 2024, winning three 5f races, two of them at Listed level; not hit the same heights yet this year but she's tumbling down the weights and this represents a drop in class; 7f the query.

10/1

13th

11

(7)

28th Jun 2025

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

13:40 Newcastle (AW)

Adaay In Devon

9st 8lb

J: Silvestre De Sousa

T: Rod Millman

Had a fine year in 2024, winning three 5f races, two of them at Listed level; not hit the same heights yet this year but she's dropped 8lb for her efforts; a revival isn't out of the question.

14/1

6

(7)

24th May 2025

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

18:50 Salisbury

Adaay In Devon

9st 2lb

J: Oliver Searle

T: Rod Millman

Tough filly who landed two Listed races last season; hasn't quite recaptured her best in two runs this season and this looks a hot race for the grade; apprentice unable to claim his 5lb either.

16/1

4/1

Form: 907992 CD

Last run: 7 days

W: 9st 4lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Was treading water in the first half of this year, but a switch of stable saw him show more signs of life when second to Jordan Electrics at Hamilton last week; he's now 6lb better off with the winner, and he's also 8lb lower than when winning over this C&D (good ground) last autumn; major contender.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

(10)

30th Aug 2026

Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

14:15 Beverley

Badri

9st 4lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Michael Herrington

Well into the veteran stage but he retains a chunk of ability and considerable enthusiasm, winning for the fourth time this year when beating six rivals at Pontefract (5f, good to firm) last month; runner-up back at Pontefract two weeks ago; this might prove too demanding though.

25/1

2nd

1

(1)

16th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 3y

Class 2

17:45 Pontefract

Badri

10st 0lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Michael Herrington

He couldn't get into it in a big field at Windsor (6f, good to firm) last Monday but he didn't enjoy an ideal passage and went there on a four-timer following three wins here (6f/5f, good/good to firm); this 9yo could play a leading role back at Pontefract.

5/1

13th

1

(16)

10th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 12y

Class 2

19:15 Windsor

Badri

9st 12lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Michael Herrington

C&D winner who has had a fantastic run this year, winning his last four races on good to firm ground, over 6f and 5f; at the age of nine he seems to be closing in on his best-ever form and he has won off a slightly higher mark than today's in the past; Oisin Murphy up for the first time; much respected.

11/2

Form: 6-0108

Last run: 49 days

W: 9st 10lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
From a smart sprinting family that has served these connections well; standout effort this year when winning at Newmarket on 2,000 Guineas day; not entirely disgraced in the Wokingham here last time; has raced mainly at 6f (stiff task only attempt at 5f) but several of his relatives have been ideally suited by this distance; interesting with visor on.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

6

(5)

10th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 12y

Class 2

19:15 Windsor

Desert Cop

9st 2lb

J: Benoit De La Sayette

T: George Baker

Took advantage of a more favourable mark when winning over this C&D (good to firm) in June, a first win in Britain for over two years; perhaps downhill tracks weren't so helpful in two runs since, at 6f and 5f, but he still has something to find in this company.

25/1

20th

13

(10)

28th Jul 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

16:10 Goodwood

Desert Cop

8st 12lb

J: Benoit De La Sayette

T: George Baker

Ended a losing run in a Class 4 at Windsor (6f, good to firm) last month but only fourth of seven when penalised at Epsom; well beaten in his two visits here.

50/1

OUR TIP

Form: 121111 D

Last run: 7 days

W: 10st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Having a remarkable season, notching win number seven for the campaign at Hamilton last Saturday; with a 6lb rise he's up a total of 31lb since his first success in the spring, but he may not have reached his ceiling just yet; equally effective at 5f/6f, and good ground or firmer is ideal.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

9

(1)

28th Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

16:00 Thirsk

Jordan Electrics

9st 10lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Jim Goldie

Cheekpieces on for the first time when ending a long losing sequence at Ayr (6f) in July; backed it up with a good third of 11 at Hamilton (5f) a week ago; must enter calculations back up to 6f with headgear retained.

14/1

3rd

7

(12)

21st Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 7y

Class 3

18:45 Hamilton

Jordan Electrics

9st 10lb

J: Mark Winn

T: Jim Goldie

Had first-time cheekpieces (retained) when making all at Ayr (5f, good to firm) a month ago for his first win in a while; put back up 4lb but still has handicapping scope if the headgear works again.

4/1

Form: 581060 D

Last run: 6 days

W: 10st 2lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 104

Form & Verdict
Enjoyed finest hour when winning Group 3 at Newbury (5f, heavy) last autumn; ran to similar level when beating six rivals for handicap win at Navan (5f, good) in June but three runs since have been below par; must bounce back.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

23th

20

(15)

20th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Thunderbear

9st 2lb

J: James Ryan

T: Jack W Davison

Back on song when convincing winner of a 6f Listed event at Naas (yielding) last October; unable to get involved in two runs at that level in 2026 but he was badly checked back at Naas in April and in better form than the 5l defeat suggests; however, he has more to prove back on this track with good to firm ground quicker than ideal; regular cheekpieces are discarded.

66/1

11th

3

(12)

27th Apr 2026

Yielding

0m 5f 0y

19:15 Naas

Thunderbear

9st 12lb

J: James Ryan

T: Jack W Davison

Five-time winner best with a bit of cut in the ground; sole win last season came in a Listed heat at this venue (6f, yielding); may have needed his comeback at Cork and likes it here, but would probably like to see some rain.

25/1

12/1

Form: 045125 D BF

Last run: 3 days

W: 8st 11lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
5f specialist who goes well with forcing tactics; fended off 17 rivals in Jump Jockeys' Nunthorpe at York (good to firm) in July, but ran poorly at Brighton on Wednesday and must compete from 3lb out of the weights.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

7

(9)

24th Oct 2025

Standard

0m 4f 214y

Class 4

17:55 Southwell (AW)

Night On Earth

9st 1lb

J: Edward Greatrex

T: Ian Williams

Confirmed trailblazer who has won 13 races in his career (six on AW), but has finished out of the frame in all six starts over C&D; blinkers go on for the first time on his 86th start; others preferred.

11/1

8

(5)

23rd Sep 2025

Standard

0m 4f 214y

Class 4

19:00 Southwell (AW)

Night On Earth

9st 3lb

J: Andrew Breslin

T: Ian Williams

One of the faster sprinters in training and he belatedly got off the mark for the year with a front-running win at Wolverhampton 17 days ago; 6lb rise against stronger opposition could find him out.

8/1

1st

1

(3)

6th Sep 2025

Standard

0m 5f 21y

Class 5

18:42 Wolverhampton (AW)

Night On Earth

9st 12lb

J: Andrew Breslin

T: Ian Williams

Trailblazing sprinter who got no peace up front when beaten favourite in a Racing League handicap last time; ran a stormer the time before at Haydock and should give it a good shot from stall 3; has form here.

2/1

10th
10 (5)
Muker

25/1

Form: -58108 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 8st 11lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Produced late to win at Redcar (5f, good to firm) in June, but hasn't made the frame on any of his other runs this season, including over C&D two weeks ago; others have more obvious claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

1

(2)

3rd Sep 2026

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

18:15 Newcastle (AW)

Muker

9st 9lb

J: Alex Jary

T: Nigel Tinkler

Smart in his pomp; 2026 has been a struggle but he has dropped 19lb in the weights and is now eligible for Class 6 company; too much ability to discount but he is looking increasingly moody in the early part of his races.

10/1

8th

3

(6)

17th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 21y

Class 5

17:20 Windsor

Muker

9st 12lb

J: Alex Jary

T: Nigel Tinkler

His last win was off 15lb higher in July 2025; threatened only once from seven starts this term, in a small field three runs ago, and soon got detached on last two outings, so others are readily preferred.

10/1

11th

11

(12)

1st Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

15:17 Thirsk

Muker

9st 6lb

J: Faye McManoman

T: Nigel Tinkler

Has a couple of C&D wins on his record; not found his best form this year and he has too much to prove for comfort, for all he is tumbling down the weights.

25/1

Non-runners

Apollo One

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £62.50
Straight Forecast £52.83
Tricast £461.77
Trifecta £567.30

Selections

The Times:

Adaay In Devon

SPOTLIGHT:

Desert Cop

POSTDATA:

Muker

The Guardian:

Badri

TOPSPEED:

Night On Earth

Daily Mirror:

Dream Composer

Daily Record:

Jordan Electrics

Telegraph:

Adaay In Devon

The Sun:

Adaay In Devon

RP RATINGS:

Desert Cop

Daily Mail:

Desert Cop

The Star:

Muker

D Express:

Badri