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

3rd

2

(5)

13th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 15y

Class 3

16:00 Chester

Vintage Clarets

9st 9lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Gained two of his ten wins over this C&D and returns here after bouncing back to form with commendable second in last week's Epsom Dash (5f, good to soft); still well handicapped after 3lb rise; likely contender.

11/4

2nd

19

(18)

6th Jun 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

15:15 Epsom

Vintage Clarets

8st 10lb

J: Ethan Tindall

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Prolific winner down the years and he arrives off an 11lb lower mark than when fifth in this 12 months ago; yet to shine this year (poor draw at Chester on penultimate start) but it wouldn't be a huge shock to see him fare better today.

16/1

11th

11

(11)

23rd May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

14:40 York

Vintage Clarets

9st 3lb

J: Ethan Tindall

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Prolific winner over the years, including over C&D; no impact yet this season but he wasn't disgraced from a wide draw at Chester last time and he's tumbling in the weights; solid each-way claims.

12/1

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

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

11th

8

(11)

27th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

19:00 Newcastle (AW)

Venture Capital

9st 5lb

J: Shane Gray

T: Kevin Ryan

Below par in two AW outings this year but might have been building up his fitness and this former course scorer is starting to look well treated on the pick of last year's turf form; no shock were he to bounce back to form.

12/1

7th

9

(9)

4th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 4f 214y

Class 3

16:02 Southwell (AW)

Venture Capital

9st 2lb

J: Shane Gray

T: Kevin Ryan

Got the better of Pilgrim at Ripon (5f, good) last April off a mark 2lb higher than today's, and he ended the season with some solid placed efforts; faded at Newcastle (5f, AW) last month on his first start for 111 days but he may well have needed it.

10/1

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

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

5th

1

(6)

22nd Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 21y

Class 3

19:17 Windsor

Rosario

10st 1lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: Roger Teal

Tendency to blow the start has often cost him; disappointing effort back in the cheekpieces (off again tonight) in the Goodwood handicap he'd won last season early last month, despite a better break; now 3lb lower but will need to better that somewhat.

10/1

8th

8

(11)

1st May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

15:15 Goodwood

Rosario

8st 11lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: Roger Teal

Captured this prize last year and largely in good form after, despite his customary slow starts; should strip sharper for his reappearance sixth in 5f Newmarket handicap 17 days ago so he's no forlorn hope in refitted cheekpieces.

8/1

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

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

1st

5

(4)

22nd Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 21y

Class 3

19:17 Windsor

Dream Composer

9st 9lb

J: Dougie Costello

T: Tony Carroll

In good form for his new yard, faring best of those drawn low in the Epsom Dash last time back in the trademark cheekpieces; bit unlucky at Goodwood on his previous start too and remains on a fair mark; one to consider.

6/1

7th

17

(6)

6th Jun 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

15:15 Epsom

Dream Composer

8st 11lb

J: Dougie Costello

T: Tony Carroll

Trained by James Evans when winning this race in 2024 off a 5lb higher mark (good to soft); well beaten in it last year but he arrives in good form for his new stable, winning at Ripon in April and not enjoying the cleanest run when fourth at Goodwood 15 days ago; rain won't hurt his chance and he's of obvious interest.

12/1

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

12th

10

(3)

26th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

19:28 Newcastle (AW)

Seven Questions

9st 3lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Robert Cowell

Capitalised on his drop in the weights when coming from off the pace to win at Goodwood (5f, good) last month; disappointed back at Goodwood (6f, soft) 19 days ago; stable has stronger claims elsewhere.

10/1

7th

2

(8)

7th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

13:50 Goodwood

Seven Questions

9st 9lb

J: Jamie Spencer

T: Robert Cowell

Ended a two-year barren spell when getting up late in a 5f handicap here 16 days; 3lb higher mark to deal with but he has a Group 3 win on his record and conditions won't faze him; respected.

5/2

1st

5

(3)

22nd May 2026

Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 3

17:27 Goodwood

Seven Questions

9st 7lb

J: Jamie Spencer

T: Robert Cowell

Acts on any ground; on a losing spell that goes back to Group 3 success two years ago but is on a very attractive mark and his Class 2 form this term includes a couple of respectable efforts; this combination of a drop in grade and assistance of Jamie Spencer (up for first time; regular jockey for the owner) may be the time to catch him.

7/2

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

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

7th

5

(7)

29th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 12y

Class 2

19:00 Windsor

Regal Envoy

9st 10lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: William Knight

Course specialist; in prime form, having won at Bath before suffering a luckless run on this track, then a convincing winner here (also 5f, good to soft; acts well on good to firm) since; that trip seems to suit best though and he has more to prove off 6lb higher in a better race.

100/30

1st

4

(3)

8th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 21y

Class 2

19:39 Windsor

Regal Envoy

9st 4lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: William Knight

Useful strike-rate and 4-6 over 5f for Oisin Murphy; can lead; versatile regarding tracks but he won his first two C&D starts (including this race when 3lb higher) and gave the principals too much rope back here in May, albeit he still found only an improved one too good; best form on good or quicker ground and rarely asked to tackle slower surfaces.

3/1

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

12th

7

(3)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

13:55 Ascot

Toca Madera

9st 5lb

J: Luke Morris

T: David O’Meara

Exploited his reduced mark in fine style at Doncaster (5f, good to firm) last month; came up short off an 11lb higher mark in Ireland 13 days ago, hanging left; minor placing perhaps his best hope this time.

12/1

6th

2

(8)

28th Jun 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

13:40 Curragh

Toca Madera

10st 0lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Made all for an emphatic 5f Doncaster win early this month, his first success since August 2024; up 11lb for that; however, he had a higher mark early in his career when trained by Brian Meehan; definite chance, given the depth of the sprinting division in Britain, relative to Ireland.

9/2

1st

6

(6)

6th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 3y

Class 3

14:30 Doncaster

Toca Madera

9st 5lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

His last win was in August 2024 but he went close off a reduced mark in a 16-runner handicap at York (5f, good) last month; back up 2lb in the weights but that was a bold bid last time and he's respected.

9/4

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