August 09 / 14.10 Ascot

14.10

Good To Firm

Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Stayers (Handicap) (GBBPlus Race)

  • Prize money: £39344
  • 1m 7f 209y
  • Class 2
  • 9 runners
ITV
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Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Stayers (Handicap) (GBBPlus Race)

Runners: 9 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

Form: 866-06 C

Last run: 28 days

W: 10st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Well treated on form as recent as early 2024; however, this 8yo was a long way below his best last May-August and soundly beaten in 1m4f handicaps (100-1 and 33-1) last month in his only two starts since; stays 2m and waiting tactics (rather than front-running last time) seem to suit, but it's hard to predict that a revival is imminent.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

6

(9)

4th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 4f 0y

Class 2

15:15 Newmarket (July)

Enemy

9st 6lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: Ian Williams

Won 1m4f/2m handicaps on the AW early this year; beaten just over 7l in hot handicaps at Carlisle (1m3f) and Royal Ascot (1m6f) on last two outings, shaping much better than ninth of 16 suggests in the latter (big move to dispute lead early in straight) but his turf strike-rate is 3-37.

33/1

9th

9

(18)

16th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 34y

Class 2

18:10 Ascot

Enemy

9st 10lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: Ian Williams

Won 1m4f/2m handicaps on the AW (3-36 on turf) earlier this year but this is a different ball game altogether and his run at Carlisle 17 days ago was no more than average; plenty of others appeal more.

50/1

9th

2

(12)

30th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 39y

Class 2

13:30 Carlisle

Enemy

9st 11lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Ian Williams

Durable veteran who won twice on the AW early this year; however, he was soundly beaten at Newcastle on Good Friday and faces some unexposed rivals on his return to turf.

25/1

OUR TIP

Form: -08434 BF

Last run: 21 days

W: 10st 2lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Progressive handicapper last season who ended up in the St Leger, perhaps a little flattered by that bare result as the form has not been repeated; third in the 2m5f Queen Alexandra at Royal Ascot on penultimate outing was clearly his most competitive show this season and gives hope, but he flopped at Newbury on latest.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

(10)

9th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

1m 7f 209y

Class 2

14:10 Ascot

Wild Waves

10st 2lb

J: Hugh Bowman

T: Andrew Balding

Progressive handicapper last season who ended up in the St Leger, perhaps a little flattered by that bare result as the form has not been repeated; third in the 2m5f Queen Alexandra at Royal Ascot on penultimate outing was clearly his most competitive show this season and gives hope, but he flopped at Newbury on latest.

5/1

3

(4)

19th Jul 2025

Good To Firm

2m 0f 110y

Class 2

14:25 Newbury

Wild Waves

9st 3lb

J: James Doyle

T: Andrew Balding

Progressive handicapper last season and ended up in the St Leger; perhaps a little flattered by that bare result, as the form has not been repeated, but third in the 2m5f Queen Alexandra at Royal Ascot on latest outing was clearly his most competitive show this season and gives hope; more to prove on softer than good but overall he looks of renewed interest.

4/1

11

(11)

21st Jun 2025

Good To Firm

2m 5f 143y

Class 2

18:10 Ascot

Wild Waves

9st 3lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

Regularly hooded and goes on all ground; progressive 1m4f/1m6f handicapper last season and ended up in the St Leger (wasn't disgraced, beaten 7l); hasn't really got anything going this year since gelded, last time finishing last of four runners in an Italian Listed race (1m4f); every chance on the figures if rediscovering his mojo and seeing out the trip, but there are doubts on both counts.

9/2

Form: 0-5721 D

Last run: 42 days

W: 9st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Close fourth in this race last year; while his peak form was in 2022, he's virtually at that level again now following his 25-1 win in the Northumberland Plate at Newcastle (2m, AW) six weeks ago by a neck from Dancing In Paris; back up another 5lb with arguably more to prove on good to firm these days (judged on 2024) but he has to be in calculations.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

19th

5

(1)

27th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

15:15 Newcastle (AW)

Spirit Mixer

9st 4lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Andrew Balding

Beat Dancing In Paris by a neck to win this race last year off 6lb lower; also won at Chester in September and two of his three starts this term have been creditable, so he's in the each-way picture.

14/1

10th

5

(10)

8th May 2026

Good

2m 2f 140y

Class 2

15:05 Chester

Spirit Mixer

9st 1lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Andrew Balding

One of three for the yard; won the Northumberland Plate at Newcastle (2m, AW) last June and has a 4-7 record at Chester, although his two performances in this race were muted (from double-figure draws); reappearance six weeks ago matched his best 2025 form but a bit extra will be needed.

14/1

3rd

3

(4)

28th Mar 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 7f 218y

Class 2

14:08 Kempton (AW)

Spirit Mixer

9st 13lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Andrew Balding

Won the Northumberland Plate at Newcastle (2m, Tapeta) last June and bagged a second valuable 2m handicap success of the year at Chester in September; however, disappointing in this race in 2024 on his only race at Kempton and this stage of the season may not be the time to catch him.

7/1

Form: 9-4285

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 5lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Regularly switches between Flat and hurdle races, beaten a neck in the latter sphere on latest outing; close second at York in May was easily his most competitive show on the Flat this season (way out of his depth on latest Flat start) but that was over 1m4f and he's not proven beyond that on Flat.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

8

7th Jul 2026

Good

2m 7f 70y

Class 3

15:00 Uttoxeter

Maghlaak

11st 2lb

J: Jamie Hamilton

T: Mark Walford

Made a winning start for this yard in a novice handicap chase last November but pulled up in his final chase and has finished last in two subsequent Flat starts; capable hurdler but hardly returns to this discipline at the top of his game.

25/1

7th

2

(3)

22nd May 2026

Good To Soft

2m 1f 27y

Class 4

19:52 Pontefract

Maghlaak

9st 8lb

J: Kyle McHugh

T: Mark Walford

Made a winning start for this yard in a novice handicap chase at Southwell (2m4f, soft) last November; finished a long way behind Sea Of Kings at Doncaster on his return to the Flat four weeks ago; others appeal more.

12/1

6th

3

(1)

25th Apr 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 197y

Class 4

19:15 Doncaster

Maghlaak

9st 8lb

J: Rhys Elliott

T: Mark Walford

Ended his time with Adrian Keatley below par last autumn but a winner over fences at Southwell for his new yard before being pulled up at Market Rasen in December; needs to bounce back after a layoff.

16/1

Form: 654-53

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
With new yard this season; out of his depth in the 2m5f Queen Alexandra at Royal Ascot in June and held by Wild Waves on that result; however, second in a 2m novice hurdle next time and close second of four to Almuhit in a slowly run Flat race at Newbury (2m, good to firm) 11 days later when Wild Waves disappointed; could be on his way back.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

(8)

17th Jul 2026

Standard

1m 5f 219y

Class 4

17:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Scottish Anthem

9st 7lb

J: Millie Wonnacott

T: Stuart Edmunds

Both wins came in 2022 when trained in France; returns to the Flat for the first time this year after a couple of runs over hurdles; down to a career-low mark and has had wind surgery but others are preferred.

25/1

3rd

2

2nd Jun 2026

Good

1m 7f 182y

Class 4

17:00 Southwell

Scottish Anthem

11st 6lb

J: Charlie Hammond

T: Stuart Edmunds

Fairly useful on the Flat; lightly raced in this sphere and made an encouraging start for his new stable after eight months off when fifth of ten in 2m3f Warwick novice 40 days ago; can take a step forward on his handicap debut with cheekpieces added.

9/2

5th

6

23rd Apr 2026

Good

2m 3f 0y

Class 4

14:00 Warwick

Scottish Anthem

11st 6lb

J: Charlie Hammond

T: Stuart Edmunds

Had plenty of racing on the Flat and ran to a highly respectable level last year at up to 2m; runner-up in his second run over hurdles at Uttoxeter (good) last summer and could run well if fitness doesn't hold him back after a lengthy absence.

9/2

Form: 317223

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 3lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
1m4f winner on yard debut in April; ran well again on last three outings when second twice at Sandown over 1m6f and a close third of six at Ascot on his first attempt at 2m; should not be far away.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

(1)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 34y

Class 3

15:34 Ascot

Fireblade

10st 2lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: Dylan Cunha

Made good strides last season and scored twice at up to 2m, latterly at this track (good to firm); shaped encouragingly on 2026 return (1m2f); failed to build on that at Windsor (11.4f) nearly ten weeks later but takes another step back up in trip today; well handicapped if he returns to his best.

9/2

4th

5

(5)

27th Jun 2026

Good

1m 3f 99y

Class 3

19:45 Windsor

Fireblade

9st 5lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: Dylan Cunha

Brother to the top-class Cracksman; made good strides for Dylan Cunha last season (scored twice at up to 2m) and he shaped encouragingly over an inadequate 1m2f when fourth of eight in handicap at Pontefract in April; appeals as the sort to do well in 2026 and interesting now back up in trip.

7/2

9

(4)

13th May 2026

Good

1m 3f 188y

Class 2

14:20 York

Fireblade

8st 13lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Dylan Cunha

Did well last season, including a win over 1m4f in April but he was best later on at about 2m (including at York); reappearance this term was pretty encouraging, considering it was over just 1m2f, and he looks a serious each-way contender.

14/1

Form: 4-P411 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 3lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Jockey felt something was amiss four starts back but otherwise this 6yo has been a tremendous success story this year since wind surgery; dictated the pace before gamely seeing off the challengers in the last half mile to 2m races at Newbury (good to firm) on last two outings, both in just four-runner races but he could also have his say in this more competitive affair.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

7

(2)

18th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

2m 0f 110y

Class 2

14:25 Newbury

Almuhit

8st 12lb

J: Sean Levey

T: Faye Bramley

Made most for two game wins in four-runner C&D races (good to firm) last summer, latterly in this race off 2lb higher than today; second to Baileys Khelstar over C&D on latest outing was in just a three-runner race but easily his best Flat effort this year, so he could be on his way back.

9/2

2nd

1

(2)

23rd Jun 2026

Good To Firm

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

20:05 Newbury

Almuhit

10st 1lb

J: Harry Vigors

T: Faye Bramley

Comes into this off the back of winning a three-runner race over hurdles at Fontwell, but he is equally adept on the Flat with two wins in four-runner contests over C&D (good to firm) last summer, including this race off 1lb lower; respected.

7/2

Form: 14-243

Last run: 22 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
4yo filly who has had just six races; won a maiden last July and sent handicapping this season, placed twice in big fields at the Curragh (1m6f/2m) before her good third of five at Down Royal (1m5f), all on good ground; cheekpieces are added today; his Irish trainer won this event two years ago and this representative may well have more to offer on this return to 2m.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

(2)

23rd Aug 2025

Good

1m 4f 0y

14:52 Curragh

La Vita Nova

9st 12lb

J: Shane Foley

T: Mrs John Harrington

Limerick maiden win at this trip last summer hasn't been added to, although good efforts in staying handicaps this season, twice here and when third behind a stablemate at Down Royal; way below best on fast ground at Ascot latest but respected on overall profile; back in trip.

7/1

9

(3)

9th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

1m 7f 209y

Class 2

14:10 Ascot

La Vita Nova

9st 2lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Mrs John Harrington

4yo filly who has had just six races; won a maiden last July and sent handicapping this season, placed twice in big fields at the Curragh (1m6f/2m) before her good third of five at Down Royal (1m5f), all on good ground; cheekpieces are added today; his Irish trainer won this event two years ago and this representative may well have more to offer on this return to 2m.

4/1

3rd

2

(3)

18th Jul 2025

Good

1m 5f 0y

20:00 Down Royal

La Vita Nova

9st 11lb

J: Shane Foley

T: Mrs John Harrington

Excellent efforts both starts this season in handicaps at the Curragh, finishing 3l second of 20 over 1m6f and a 2.75l fourth of 25 upped to 16.5f last time, both on good ground; nudged up another 1lb for that last run but should go well again; Foley's pick over Mo Ghille Mar and leading chance.

13/2

Form: 133307 D

Last run: 29 days

W: 8st 13lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
Usually held up; won at Ripon (2m) in April in a pretty consistent campaign, although two of his subsequent starts (including latest) suggest he has a bit more to prove on ground firmer than good; has a competitive mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

4

(5)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 34y

Class 3

15:34 Ascot

Artisan Dancer

9st 12lb

J: Oliver Stammers

T: Charlie Johnston

Industrious and usually dependable sort at 1m6f-2m2f; turf strike-rate is 1-20, however, and he was tailed off at Thirsk (good) on penultimate start, before he failed to shine at Newcastle's Northumberland Plate meeting (AW) for the third year in a row; not the percentage call.

20/1

18th

5

(18)

27th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

14:40 Newcastle (AW)

Artisan Dancer

9st 10lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: Charlie Johnston

Industrious and usually dependable sort at 1m6f-2m2f; turf strike-rate is 1-20 and he was tailed off at Thirsk last time; back to AW and he's 7-34 in this sphere, but he's not shone at this meeting (16th in the Plate, 12th in the Vase) in the last two years.

25/1

12th

5

(2)

31st May 2026

Good

2m 0f 13y

Class 3

18:15 Thirsk

Artisan Dancer

9st 8lb

J: Oliver Stammers

T: Charlie Johnston

Industrious and dependable sort at 1m6f-2m2f but turf strike-rate is 1-19; not discredited on latest start (1m5f) but others are preferred.

16/1

Non-runners

Dancing In Paris

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

La Vita Nova

TOPSPEED:

Spirit Mixer

RP RATINGS:

Fireblade

Telegraph:

Dancing In Paris

LAMBOURN:

Almuhit

NEWMARKET:

Fireblade

The Times:

La Vita Nova

The Guardian:

La Vita Nova

D Express:

La Vita Nova

Daily Mirror:

La Vita Nova

Daily Record:

La Vita Nova

POSTDATA:

Spirit Mixer

Daily Mail:

Spirit Mixer

The Sun:

Spirit Mixer

The Star:

Spirit Mixer