August 10 / 14.45 Ascot

14.45

Good

Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Challenge (Handicap)

  • Prize money: £39344
  • 1m 3f 211y
  • Class 2
  • 10 runners
ITV4
View Course
Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Challenge (Handicap)

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

1st
4 (1)
Insanity

4/1 (Won)

  • Win: £5.50
  • Place: £1.80

Form: 815-12 D

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
A rising force on Flat, including two wins; edged in front close home at Windsor (11.4f) in April and went close over C&D (again on good ground; unraced on firmer) 15 days ago when next seen; up another 3lb but in the mix.
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

14/1

  • Place: £4.10

Form: 465286

Last run: 2 days

W: 9st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Sole turf win (16 races) was July 2023; gave it a good go in the new cheekpieces (kept since) when second at Chester last month over 10.5f on good to soft; never threatened at Yarmouth or Chepstow (Thursday) in his two starts since; probably effective at 1m4f and on good to firm, but he needs to be back in peak form.
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

13/2

  • Place: £1.60

Form: 212148 C

Last run: 7 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
The move back up to 1m4f and then trying 1m6f both worked a treat this season, resulting in two wins and a second, all on good ground; latest win was at this track (1m6f) in July and he's run well at 2m (steadily run race) and 1m6f (bunched finish at Goodwood last week) in his two starts since, on good to firm; he's in the form of his life.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

9

(4)

6th Sep 2025

Good

1m 6f 1y

Class 2

15:00 Haydock

Dancing In Paris

9st 1lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: Ian Williams

Consistent sort who was third in this last year (good) and has gone close three times this season, including at Glorious Goodwood (1m6f, good to soft) last month; another good run when fourth of 13 at York (2m, good to firm) last time and he's a solid each-way contender.

8/1

6

(12)

20th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

16:10 York

Dancing In Paris

9st 3lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: Ian Williams

Career-best form this season, beaten a neck by Spirit Mixer in the Northumberland Plate at Newcastle (2m, AW) in June and another close second at Goodwood (1m6f, good to soft) 18 days ago; ran poorly when he tried front-running on penultimate start; up 2lb to another career-high mark, with a slight question about good to firm ground, but he has to be in serious calculations.

5/1

Form: 1-5213 D BF

Last run: 37 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Sole run on ground firmer than good was last June; off the mark at sixth attempt that season and solid efforts in handicaps this term, including a close call over 1m2f at Newbury (good) and clashes with The Goat over 1m4f on Kempton AW both starts since (won first of them); has to be considered.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

3

(6)

5th Oct 2024

Standard

1m 4f 14y

Class 3

18:15 Southwell (AW)

Cracksking

10st 0lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: James Fanshawe

Consistent 4yo who kept on well for third in quite valuable Racing League handicap here (1m3f) in August; nudged up 2lb to career-high mark since but useful 3lb claimer Kaiya Fraser is enlisted; probably won't be far away.

4/1

3rd

2

(6)

29th Aug 2024

Standard

1m 3f 23y

Class 3

20:10 Southwell (AW)

Cracksking

9st 12lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: James Fanshawe

Has proved consistent in his career especially on the AW (32113); still 4lb above his last winning mark but no surprise if he goes well again.

9/2

4th

5

(3)

10th Aug 2024

Good

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

14:45 Ascot

Cracksking

9st 8lb

J: Tadhg O’Shea

T: James Fanshawe

Sole run on ground firmer than good was last June; off the mark at sixth attempt that season and solid efforts in handicaps this term, including a close call over 1m2f at Newbury (good) and clashes with The Goat over 1m4f on Kempton AW both starts since (won first of them); has to be considered.

6/1

Form: 6-0021 D

Last run: 37 days

W: 9st 10lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Had a runaway win on soft ground at Glorious Goodwood (1m4f) last year; singularly failed to live up to that performance until his more competitive displays on Kempton AW (1m4f) on last two outings, the latest yielding a clearcut win; back up 5lb but may have turned a corner.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

(8)

5th Oct 2024

Standard

1m 4f 14y

Class 3

18:15 Southwell (AW)

The Goat

10st 0lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Andrew Balding

Clearcut winner at Kempton (1m4f, AW) in July and placed in valuable Lanark Silver Bell at Hamilton (1m4f, heavy) since but this season's record is very mixed and he was never dangerous in first-time cheekpieces (retained) last month; not an easy one to predict.

8/1

9th

6

(15)

7th Sep 2024

Good To Soft

1m 6f 1y

Class 2

14:25 Haydock

The Goat

9st 0lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

Has an inconsistent profile but with easily his two best turf efforts having been delivered in the mud, including when third at Hamilton (1m4f) 15 days ago; stayed on late that day but underperformed in all four appearances at about 1m6f; connections reach for headgear.

11/1

6

(14)

23rd Aug 2024

Soft

1m 4f 15y

Class 2

19:05 Hamilton

The Goat

9st 5lb

J: Jason Watson

T: Andrew Balding

In-and-out profile and well beaten at Ascot last time, but the good ground may not have suited (sole turf win was on soft going); in good form on AW earlier this summer and he's not ruled out.

7/1

Form: 1625-7 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 11lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Useful sort at up to 1m6f in her first season last year; may have more to offer this term and came from a detached last when seventh of 13 at 16-1 in Listed race at Newmarket (1m4f, good to firm) on reappearance three weeks ago; that was encouraging.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

(4)

17th Aug 2024

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 3

15:45 Newmarket (July)

Truthful

9st 11lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: William Haggas

Progressive during last season's first campaign and she'll be a player if tapping into that promise; in top hands and every chance she'll get back on track at some stage, but she hasn't really shone on either run this term.

7/1

6th

2

(5)

10th Aug 2024

Good

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

14:45 Ascot

Truthful

9st 11lb

J: Hayley Turner

T: William Haggas

Useful sort at up to 1m6f in her first season last year; may have more to offer this term and came from a detached last when seventh of 13 at 16-1 in Listed race at Newmarket (1m4f, good to firm) on reappearance three weeks ago; that was encouraging.

7/2

7th

10

(5)

20th Jul 2024

Good To Soft

1m 4f 0y

Class 1

18:35 Newmarket (July)

Truthful

9st 6lb

J: Pat Dobbs

T: William Haggas

Useful sort at up to 1m6f in her first season last year; may have more to offer this term and won on her debut, so evidently capable when fresh.

14/1

Form: 015070

Last run: 11 days

W: 9st 5lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Two wins from 12 starts this year; not so hot in the four races since his last success (Chester in May) and the worst of those was his only attempt over this long a trip (penultimate start); others look more solid.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

1

14th May 2026

Good

2m 3f 116y

17:20 Clonmel

Loyal Touch

11st 12lb

J: Gavin Brouder

T: Denis Gerard Hogan

Five-time Flat winner is rated 70 in that sphere; beaten 21l on hurdling debut at Down Royal recently; can do better.

14/1

10th

3

4th May 2026

Good

2m 1f 88y

13:35 Down Royal

Loyal Touch

11st 12lb

J: Gavin Brouder

T: Denis Gerard Hogan

One of two runners for yard; five Flat wins when trained in UK; regressive for this yard, though running well at times; could go well on hurdles debut if jumping holds up.

20/1

Form: 06/5-1

Last run: 42 days

W: 8st 13lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Unraced on firmer than good; back from hurdling to win the Ladies Derby at the Curragh (1m2f) six weeks ago, his first Flat turf run since 2022 when still trained in Britain; return to 1m4f should be fine and he's one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

2

(11)

16th Sep 2024

Standard

0m 7f 0y

18:35 Laytown

Set Point

12st 4lb

J: Mr H C Swan

T: Gordon Elliott

towards rear but in touch with leaders

10/1

OUR TIP

Form: 2212P/ CD BF

Last run: 686 days

W: 10st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
C&D winner in 2021 and did very well for this yard over 1m4f-2m at Chester and York (touched off in the 1m6f Ebor) in summer 2022 before pulled up lame that September; dropped 5lb in his absence but has questions to answer on this reappearance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

14th May 2026

Good

1m 6f 44y

Class 3

14:40 Salisbury

Alfred Boucher

9st 5lb

J: David Probert

T: Owen Burrows

Won sole visit here (1m handicap in 2019); in the care of Ian Williams when landing 2m York handicap in August 2022 and ran a mighty race when pipped in the Ebor a fortnight later; pulled up at Chester the following month and seen just three times since, including when down the field in two starts for this yard last year; drops in grade from falling mark; watch the market on return.

25/1

7th

8

(6)

22nd Oct 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 7f 218y

Class 2

19:40 Kempton (AW)

Alfred Boucher

9st 0lb

J: Jason Watson

T: Owen Burrows

Seen just twice since September 2022 and weakened out of contention both times.

25/1

8

(5)

20th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

1m 5f 61y

Class 2

14:05 Newbury

Alfred Boucher

9st 1lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Owen Burrows

Free-going sort who did very well at 1m4f-2m on good/good to firm for Ian Williams in summer 2022, including touched off by Trawlerman in the Ebor; however, he pulled up lame that September and was absent for 686 days prior to finishing well held at Ascot last August; off for a further 14 months ahead of this return for new trainer; this 9yo is best watched unless the betting strongly hints otherwise.

33/1

10th
9 (9)
Good Too

10/1

Form: 836314 BF

Last run: 29 days

W: 8st 13lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Debut was the only win for his first three trainers but Kempton (1m3f, AW) in June saw him score by a neck at the first attempt for Adam West; close for minor honours at Windsor and York (1m4f) on starts either side, so he has each-way claims again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

3

3rd Nov 2024

Good

1m 7f 171y

Class 4

13:33 Huntingdon

Good Too

11st 4lb

J: Lee Edwards

T: Adam West

Fairly useful at up to 1m4f on the Flat, winning two of his 16 races, but he makes this hurdling debut following two poor shows on Flat in August; wore cheekpieces latest and bled from the nose.

14/1

4th

3

3rd Nov 2024

Good

1m 7f 171y

Class 4

13:33 Huntingdon

Good Too

11st 4lb

J: Lee Edwards

T: Adam West

Fairly useful at up to 1m4f on the Flat, winning two of his 16 races, but he makes this hurdling debut following two poor shows on Flat in August; wore cheekpieces latest and bled from the nose.

14/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £97.80
Straight Forecast £90.48
Tricast £389.41
Trifecta £499.00

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Insanity

RP RATINGS:

Truthful

TOPSPEED:

Dancing In Paris

Daily Mail:

Set Point

Daily Mirror:

Alfred Boucher

The Guardian:

Insanity

The Sun:

Insanity

The Star:

Insanity

Daily Record:

Insanity

POSTDATA:

Truthful

Telegraph:

Truthful

D Express:

Truthful

The Times:

Dancing In Paris