August 09 / 13.35 Ascot

13.35

Good To Firm

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

4/1 (Won)

  • Win: £6.00
  • Place: £1.90

Form: 736527 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 8lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Not at his best over C&D two weeks ago but his Ascot record is solid overall and he was beaten only a nose in the Gosforth Park Cup at Newcastle in June; that's a strong piece of recent form and he should be thereabouts off just 2lb higher.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

10

(2)

29th Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 3

13:45 Beverley

Vintage Clarets

9st 1lb

J: Ethan Tindall

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

All ten wins at 5f; last scored just over a year ago on good to firm but he's got plenty of form on a softer surface and ran well when runner-up in Epsom's "Dash" in June; also performed with credit at Glorious Goodwood and could be the type to bounce back from a lesser effort at Pontefract a fortnight ago; having just his second outing here since winning a C&D novice back in 2021.

5/1

6th

6

(8)

16th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 3y

Class 2

17:45 Pontefract

Vintage Clarets

9st 0lb

J: Ethan Tindall

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Twice went close in June (5f, good to soft) and he ran well once more when close seventh of 23 at Glorious Goodwood (5f, good) last time; could be in the shake-up.

7/1

7th

21

(9)

28th Jul 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

16:10 Goodwood

Vintage Clarets

8st 8lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Two no-shows at Goodwood were at this meeting in 2023, including this race; however, provided the track doesn't pose any problems, he could be interesting after strong finishes in the Dash at Epsom and last time at Chester where a slow start was the last thing he needed; he should be coming home to some effect.

14/1

14/1

  • Place: £3.30

Form: /2121- D

Last run: 519 days

W: 9st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
In the form of his life in Dubai early in 2024, winning 5f/6f handicaps in big fields at Meydan; perhaps there's further improvement in him but he reappears off a career-high mark after 519 days off and others are safer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

4

(9)

6th Sep 2025

Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

16:55 Ascot

Vespasian

9st 9lb

J: Harry Burns

T: Simon & Ed Crisford

Handles soft but best form on quicker surfaces and an excellent second of 11 in the Shergar Cup over C&D, back from an absence, was on good to firm (closely matched with the fourth Manaccan); drying ground will suit and has been given four weeks to recover so a strong contender off the same mark.

9/2

2nd

3

(8)

9th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

13:35 Ascot

Vespasian

9st 9lb

J: Ryusei Sakai

T: Simon & Ed Crisford

In the form of his life in Dubai early in 2024, winning 5f/6f handicaps in big fields at Meydan; perhaps there's further improvement in him but he reappears off a career-high mark after 519 days off and others are safer.

14/1

6/1

  • Place: £1.90

Form: 910702 D BF

Last run: 7 days

W: 9st 5lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Won at Ripon (5f, good) in April and back to form when beaten a neck in a small field at Hamilton (first-time cheekpieces) last week; good efforts on both attempts at Ascot, including when second in the Sprint at this meeting last year; solid candidate.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

(5)

1st Sep 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

16:13 Ripon

Venture Capital

9st 13lb

J: Shane Gray

T: Kevin Ryan

Scored over 5f here last April; without a victory since though and beat only one on the back of a wind operation in 5f Hamilton handicap last time; others appeal more.

11/1

9th

12

(5)

1st Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 7y

Class 2

19:30 Hamilton

Venture Capital

8st 13lb

J: Shane Gray

T: Kevin Ryan

Below par in three AW outings this year and a return to turf and first-time blinkers failed to spark a revival at Beverley in April; absent since (has had wind surgery for a second time).

16/1

8th

6

(5)

15th Apr 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 3

15:25 Beverley

Venture Capital

8st 13lb

J: Shane Gray

T: Kevin Ryan

Below par in three AW outings this year but is well treated on last year's turf exploits if first-time blinkers spark him back to life.

9/1

OUR TIP
4th
1 (11)
Manaccan

13/2

Form: 1/3/00 CD

Last run: 35 days

W: 10st 0lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Hard to weigh up after being absent for two years and then finishing down the field in Group races over this C&D and at Sandown, but he's well treated on the pick of his form, including a cosy win in this race in 2022, and he has the benefit of Hollie Doyle in the saddle.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

1

(12)

6th Sep 2025

Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

16:55 Ascot

Manaccan

9st 13lb

J: Stevie Donohoe

T: John Ryan

Won Listed (including C&D on good to soft) and Group 3 races before two-year absence; out of his depth in Group 1 and 3 races since but sights were lowered when he was a more encouraging fourth of ten in the Shergar Cup over C&D (good to firm) last month; back on dry land after another Group 1 venture since and can't dismiss.

12/1

16th

3

(1)

22nd Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:35 York

Manaccan

10st 1lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: John Ryan

Won two 5f Listed races and a Group 3 (AW) in 2022; missed two years subsequently and well back in two Group races this summer; his fourth of ten at the Shergar Cup at Ascot (5f, good to firm) 13 days ago was more like it but this looks too big a task.

66/1

4th

1

(11)

9th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

13:35 Ascot

Manaccan

10st 0lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: John Ryan

Hard to weigh up after being absent for two years and then finishing down the field in Group races over this C&D and at Sandown, but he's well treated on the pick of his form, including a cosy win in this race in 2022, and he has the benefit of Hollie Doyle in the saddle.

13/2

5th
10 (12)
Rosario

8/1

Form: 717900 D

Last run: 11 days

W: 9st 5lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Finished in front of Dream Composer and Regal Envoy at Goodwood last time but was still well below par, and he'd previously finished down the field over this C&D; it's only three months since his last success (5f, good) but in four subsequent runs he hasn't come close to repeating the form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

(8)

29th Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 10y

Class 4

17:10 Sandown

Rosario

9st 12lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Roger Teal

Both wins over 5f; has a hold up style which dictates that he needs things to fall right but he's now 8lb lower than when second to Roach Power at Ascot (5f, soft) last autumn and he didn't run too badly in a series final at Windsor (6f, good to firm) 19 days ago; considered with Roger Teal among the winners.

6/1

7th

8

(8)

10th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 12y

Class 2

19:15 Windsor

Rosario

9st 0lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Roger Teal

Both wins over 5f; stays further, having finished better than anything when third of 21 in the Portland at Doncaster (extended 5f, good) last September but this is only his second run in a 6f turf handicap (faded in the first of them) so still has stamina to prove.

12/1

4th

2

(4)

10th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 3

16:45 Newmarket (July)

Rosario

9st 10lb

J: William Buick

T: Roger Teal

Of interest from a handicapping perspective, 3lb lower than when a close third in last season's Portland at Doncaster (5.6f, good); not beaten far into fifth at Windsor 18 days ago; not easy to win with but likely to give a good account.

13/2

Form: 200820 CD

Last run: 11 days

W: 9st 5lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
In and out this season, and like Regal Envoy he was well beaten in a big field at Goodwood 11 days ago; however, he's dangerous if on a going day and he was third in this race 12 months ago off a 2lb higher mark.
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: -77460 D

Last run: 7 days

W: 9st 11lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Sprang a surprise in last season's Group 3 Palace House Stakes at Newmarket (5f, good) but has not shone for his new stable, midfield in last Saturday's Stewards' Cup; needs to get back on track but he's tumbling in the weights and this is a less competitive race.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

(1)

30th Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 42y

Class 3

14:55 Yarmouth

Seven Questions

9st 8lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Robert Cowell

Came from rear to win at Goodwood (5f, good; cheekpieces removed) in May and is now 1lb lower but has barely beaten a rival in three runs since; the cheekpieces are now back on; leap of faith required to support him.

20/1

21th

19

(16)

28th Jul 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

16:10 Goodwood

Seven Questions

8st 10lb

J: Jamie Spencer

T: Robert Cowell

Well beaten in the last two editions of the Stewards' Cup here but won from off the pace over C&D in May, leading on the line under a Jamie Spencer masterclass; barely sighted in his two subsequent runs (soft/AW; ridden more prominently) but, back in this scenario with a strong pace guaranteed, he could easily be a factor if reverting to patient tactics.

10/1

Form: 121150 D

Last run: 11 days

W: 9st 8lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Front-runner with an excellent strike-rate (12-39), his three wins this year coming over this trip at Newmarket and Windsor (twice); however, he has been below par on his last two outings, failing to beat a rival in a big field at Goodwood last week, so he needs to bounce back.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

(2)

15th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 34y

Class 3

13:55 Newbury

Regal Envoy

10st 1lb

J: Taylor Fisher

T: William Knight

Has added to his impressive tally with two further 5f wins this season but recent defeats suggest he's gone off the boil somewhat; dropped 2lb since last run but may need some more assistance from the handicapper.

20/1

12th

9

(8)

28th Jul 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

16:10 Goodwood

Regal Envoy

9st 1lb

J: Taylor Fisher

T: William Knight

Has added to his impressive tally with two further 5f wins this season but recent defeats suggest others might be on kinder marks.

50/1

8th

10

(11)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

13:55 Ascot

Regal Envoy

9st 3lb

J: Taylor Fisher

T: William Knight

The winner of 14 of his 48 starts, including two 5f handicaps this season; dropped away when seventh to King Of Light over 6f at Windsor 12 days ago; others look better handicapped.

16/1

Form: 634304

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 5lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Chased home subsequent Group winners American Affair and Jm Jungle at York (5f, good to firm) in May and he's now 4lb lower in the weights; far from disgraced when fourth over C&D two weeks ago; high on the list.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

3

(4)

29th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

16:55 Goodwood

Toca Madera

9st 12lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Has done himself proud since Doncaster win in June, finishing close up over 5f at the big meeting here and again in the Stewards' Cup (6f) four days later; another smart effort when third of 21 at York next time but well held on good to soft there since and deteriorating ground would be a worry.

5/1

16th

12

(14)

22nd Aug 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

16:10 York

Toca Madera

9st 4lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Back in top form for David O'Meara this summer, running well twice at Glorious Goodwood and again when third of 21 here (5.4f, good) on Wednesday; tanked through Wednesday's race but didn't see it out quite so well as the front two; the worry today is that further rain has fallen and he is ideally suited by good to firm.

10/1

3rd

9

(4)

19th Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 89y

Class 2

13:50 York

Toca Madera

9st 4lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

He has performed with credit in all three York runs; two fine runs at Glorious Goodwood, notably in the Stewards' Cup in which he would have gone very close to winning granted a clear run at a crucial stage; races off the same mark and has a big run in him.

6/1

20/1

Form: 37960- D

Last run: 413 days

W: 9st 9lb

7 yo Colt

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Eight-time winner, not seen since finishing tenth in the Wokingham here in June 2024 (subsequently gelded); has run some good races at Ascot, including when fourth in this event two years ago, and he's well treated if retaining all his ability, but looks a risky proposition after such a long absence.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

(18)

13th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

0m 5f 143y

Class 2

14:25 Doncaster

Chipstead

9st 3lb

J: Sean Levey

T: Roger Teal

Eight-time winner and also first past the post in this race in 2022 (demoted to second after causing interference); well treated if retaining all his ability but he was tailed off in the Shergar Cup on his reappearance after a long absence, having hit his head on the stalls; risky.

40/1

10th

4

(5)

9th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

13:35 Ascot

Chipstead

9st 9lb

J: Dario Di Tocco

T: Roger Teal

Eight-time winner, not seen since finishing tenth in the Wokingham here in June 2024 (subsequently gelded); has run some good races at Ascot, including when fourth in this event two years ago, and he's well treated if retaining all his ability, but looks a risky proposition after such a long absence.

20/1

10th

18

(21)

22nd Jun 2024

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

17:05 Ascot

Chipstead

9st 3lb

J: Jack Doughty

T: Roger Teal

His most recent wins were 6f on AW but he tends to flag over this trip on turf and his stride shortened in this race 12 months ago; on a more favourable mark now but others should find greater reserves in the later stages.

33/1

Non-runners

Emperor Spirit, Nimitz

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £72.00
Straight Forecast £80.12
Tricast £385.13
Trifecta £444.20

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Venture Capital

NEWMARKET:

Manaccan

TOPSPEED:

Toca Madera

The Sun:

Vintage Clarets

Daily Mirror:

Dream Composer

RP RATINGS:

Venture Capital

The Times:

Venture Capital

The Guardian:

Venture Capital

D Express:

Venture Capital

Daily Record:

Venture Capital

POSTDATA:

Toca Madera

Telegraph:

Manaccan

Daily Mail:

Manaccan

The Star:

Vintage Clarets