August 09 / 15.20 Ascot

15.20

Good To Firm

Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Sprint (Handicap)

  • Prize money: £39344
  • 0m 6f 0y
  • Class 2
  • 10 runners
ITV
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Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Sprint (Handicap)

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

Form: -12121 D

Last run: 30 days

W: 10st 0lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
He's not looked back since a tongue-tie went on, winning for the third time this year with a power-packed finish in a strong Newmarket handicap last month (6f, good to firm); unexposed as a sprinter and this track should provide the sort of test he needs at 6f; an 11lb rise takes him into new territory but a Champions Sprint entry is noteworthy.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

4

(8)

22nd Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:19 Newmarket (July)

Prince Of India

9st 3lb

J: Pat Dobbs

T: Marco Botti

Yet to win this season but took his form to a new level when fitted with blinkers for last two runs, looking unlucky not to finish closer than sixth in C&D Group 1 July Cup before running on well for second in 7f Newbury Group 2 (also good to firm) last Saturday; eased in grade today; the one to beat.

2/1

2nd

3

(8)

15th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 1

15:10 Newbury

Prince Of India

9st 8lb

J: Pat Dobbs

T: Marco Botti

Usually races at 6f nowadays but probably just as effective at 7f; seemed to excel himself in first-time blinkers when sixth of 11 in Group 1 July Cup at Newmarket (good to firm; 80-1) five weeks ago; not ruled out if repeating that form.

7/1

6th

5

(5)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

16:35 Newmarket (July)

Prince Of India

9st 8lb

J: Pat Dobbs

T: Marco Botti

Joint-favourite with Almeraq in Salisbury Listed race last time but underperformed; bottom of this pack on ratings and accordingly faces a much stiffer assignment than when winning a handicap at this meeting last year; blinkers added.

50/1

Form: 6-4743

Last run: 30 days

W: 9st 12lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
In the frame in notable handicaps at the Royal meeting (5f, good to firm) and Newmarket (6f, good to firm) on his last two starts; 11lb better off with Prince Of India for just over 4l on the latter occasion; no obvious reason why he wouldn't give his running again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

17

(15)

23rd Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

16:10 York

Zayer

9st 1lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Archie Watson

Made the frame in valuable handicaps at Royal Ascot (5f, good to firm) in June and Newmarket (6f, good to firm) in July, but then ran poorly at the Shergar Cup two weeks ago; his record now reads just one win from ten attempts and he has something to prove in a race as competitive as this one.

28/1

2

(2)

9th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:20 Ascot

Zayer

9st 12lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Archie Watson

In the frame in notable handicaps at the Royal meeting (5f, good to firm) and Newmarket (6f, good to firm) on his last two starts; 11lb better off with Prince Of India for just over 4l on the latter occasion; no obvious reason why he wouldn't give his running again.

9/1

4

(4)

10th Jul 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:00 Newmarket (July)

Zayer

9st 1lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Archie Watson

Ran his best race when keeping on for fourth of 24 in the Palace Of Holyroodhouse at Royal Ascot three weeks ago (5f, good to firm; cheekpieces first time); looked ready for the return to 6f on that occasion but is perhaps vulnerable to a few lurking further down the weights.

12/1

OUR TIP

Form: 2-12 D BF

Last run: 56 days

W: 9st 11lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Good second at Bath on his sole 2yo start (5.7f, good to firm; trained by Sylvester Kirk), a race in which he split two useful opponents; absent for 346 days prior to a wide-margin win at Wolverhampton on his stable debut in May (6f, AW; hooded first time); beaten at 1-3 back at Bath eight weeks ago (5f, good to firm) when looking a tricky ride (hung badly left in front and headed late on); quite possible there's more in the tank and he represents a stable that would have had plenty of options for a race like this; interesting on handicap debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

7

(2)

30th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:35 Goodwood

Flash Harry

9st 7lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Clive Cox

Record at Goodwood comprises a success (off 1lb higher) in this contest last term and respectable ninth in the 2026 Stewards' Cup; major contender returned to this venue.

7/1

11th

13

(17)

22nd Aug 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

16:10 York

Flash Harry

9st 4lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Clive Cox

Has relatively low mileage and wasn't beaten far in the Stewards' Cup three weeks ago; this looks too competitive once again though.

25/1

9th

20

(14)

1st Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:35 Goodwood

Flash Harry

9st 2lb

J: Jack Nicholls

T: Clive Cox

Still has low mileage and is proven over C&D but he has come up well short in deep races since winning here last August; hood left off this time; others look safer.

33/1

Form: 1-5110 D

Last run: 30 days

W: 9st 11lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Jolt of improvement this summer, winning a strong Leicester handicap in May (beat Prince Of India on the same terms) and following up at York in June (both wins over 6f on good to firm); the wheels came off in his hat-trick bid at Newmarket last month but he still has time to resume his progress.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

7

(5)

15th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 34y

Class 3

13:55 Newbury

Hucklesbrook

9st 9lb

J: Seamus Cronin

T: Roger Teal

Dual 6f winner in 2025; regressive in 2026, tenth of 13 at Windsor last time on first run after wind surgery; very best form is over further but he has fallen below his last winning mark and Seamus Cronin's claim is a plus.

16/1

10th

1

(6)

27th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 12y

Class 3

19:28 Windsor

Hucklesbrook

9st 12lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: Roger Teal

Two-time 6f scorer in 2025; failed to build on an encouraging reappearance Newbury fourth when eighth of ten at Ascot (6f) in May; has since undergone wind surgery, so can't be ruled out off a handy-looking mark.

14/1

8th

4

(8)

8th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

15:25 Ascot

Hucklesbrook

9st 5lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Roger Teal

Ran well on C&D return in 2025 before winning his next two over 6f, at Leicester (good to firm; made all) and York; his form took a downward turn after but his recent Newbury fourth was a step in the right direction and he's only 2lb higher than for the York win; looks good for a prominent show.

3/1

Form: 234-80

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 10lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Useful as 2yo, winning a Listed race in France last June (5f, heavy); low-key return to action at Epsom in June but there was more to like about his midfield finish at York two weeks ago (6f, good), not well drawn in a hot all-age sprint and weakening only late on; edging down the weights and one to keep an eye on, albeit probably when tackling good ground or softer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

8

(9)

29th Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 3

13:45 Beverley

Franciscos Piece

9st 2lb

J: Mikey Sheehy

T: Adrian Paul Keatley

Soft-ground specialist but it was good ground he won on when snapping a two-year losing sequence at Musselburgh (5f) one month ago; was found to have bled from the nose that day and subsequently gelded; up 2lb but his 2yo form would make him a good thing off this mark should that signal a resurgence.

9/2

1st

3

(3)

31st Jul 2026

Good

0m 5f 1y

Class 4

19:25 Musselburgh

Franciscos Piece

9st 9lb

J: Oisin McSweeney

T: Adrian Paul Keatley

Useful 2yo; it has been a struggle more recently but he is dropping down the weights and appeals as the type to come good soon; that may coincide with him tackling slower ground though.

7/1

5th

2

(1)

9th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

19:42 Carlisle

Franciscos Piece

10st 1lb

J: Mikey Sheehy

T: Adrian Paul Keatley

Two wins over 5f on soft/heavy as a juvenile, the second a Listed event at Chantilly; hasn't won since and only seventh of nine on reappearance, but on a fair mark; could go well though stall 1 a slight negative.

14/1

Form: -93732

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 9lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Yet to add to his debut success last May (for Karl Burke) but he has run some good races in handicap company for his new stable this year, including when second from a wide stall at Chester two weeks ago (6f, good); stiff 6f should suit him well and he's fine on fast ground judged on his close third at York's Dante meeting; each-way shout.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

(13)

11th Aug 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 6y

Class 4

20:00 Hamilton

Milford

9st 9lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: Julie Camacho

Sole win from 18 starts came on his debut in a 5f maiden on soft ground in May 2024 but he has posted some good efforts since; midfield finishes in three starts this year, including when drawn wide at York over 7f on his last two outings; drops back in trip and down in grade with the visor returning.

7/1

9th

9

(16)

10th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

14:10 York

Milford

9st 1lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: Julie Camacho

Beaten 16 times since his winning 2yo debut but there have been several good runs along the way; two midfield finishes in good handicaps this summer; edging down the weights and he should be popping up soon.

25/1

Form: 137104 D

Last run: 30 days

W: 9st 8lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Only fourth behind Prince Of India at Newmarket last month but he fared second best of the far-side group and it was another solid effort; conditions should suit but perhaps the handicapper has his measure now.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

3

(2)

1st Oct 2025

Standard To Slow

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

18:00 Kempton (AW)

Marchogion

9st 8lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

Prominent racer, as when winning for the third time this year in a 6f handicap at Chester in August; has shown promise on Polytrack and he is one to take seriously despite his 4lb penalty.

3/1

1st

8

(1)

30th Aug 2025

Good

0m 6f 17y

Class 3

17:00 Chester

Marchogion

9st 7lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Andrew Balding

Inconsistent across his recent starts and well beaten at Ascot (6f, good to firm) three weeks ago, but prior to that he ran well when fourth of 17 at Newmarket (6f, good to firm); this 3yo has the advantage of stall 1 and is capable of a big run if back on song; unraced on slow ground.

5/1

8

(9)

9th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:20 Ascot

Marchogion

9st 8lb

J: Per-Anders Graberg

T: Andrew Balding

Only fourth behind Prince Of India at Newmarket last month but he fared second best of the far-side group and it was another solid effort; conditions should suit but perhaps the handicapper has his measure now.

11/2

Form: 37-112 CD

Last run: 29 days

W: 9st 6lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Progressive 3yo; made a winning seasonal return in a C&D handicap in May (strong form) and followed up over 7f at Doncaster; came up just shy in his hat-trick bid at Newmarket four weeks ago (7f, good to firm) but that race was slowly run early and he turned in another rock-solid effort (the third has won two major handicaps since); now 5lb higher but it's unlikely he's reached his ceiling and new cheekpieces could help too; big chance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

10

(17)

14th Sep 2025

Good

0m 7f 6y

Class 2

14:30 Doncaster

Up The Pace

8st 13lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: Edward Smyth-Osbourne

Nursery winner at two but a sharp improver this season with two wins including one over C&D; needed a stronger pace when his hat-trick bid came up shy and the drop back to 6f found him when tried in cheekpieces (now removed) at the Shergar Cup; remains of interest off this sort of mark.

16/1

9

(7)

9th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:20 Ascot

Up The Pace

9st 6lb

J: Suraj Narredu

T: Edward Smyth-Osbourne

Progressive 3yo; made a winning seasonal return in a C&D handicap in May (strong form) and followed up over 7f at Doncaster; came up just shy in his hat-trick bid at Newmarket four weeks ago (7f, good to firm) but that race was slowly run early and he turned in another rock-solid effort (the third has won two major handicaps since); now 5lb higher but it's unlikely he's reached his ceiling and new cheekpieces could help too; big chance.

5/1

2nd

10

(8)

11th Jul 2025

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

16:45 Newmarket (July)

Up The Pace

9st 3lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Edward Smyth-Osbourne

Successful in a couple of Class 4 events under Kieran Shoemark this term, latest at Doncaster (7f, good), taking record in turf handicaps to 1311; upped in grade but could well improve further; highly respected.

5/1

Form: -56808

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 6lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Smart as 2yo but she hasn't quite hit those heights in 2025, albeit facing some tough assignments; dropping down the weights and now tried in cheekpieces but others look safer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

(4)

9th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:20 Ascot

Maw Lam

9st 6lb

J: Hugh Bowman

T: Adrian Nicholls

Smart as 2yo but she hasn't quite hit those heights in 2025, albeit facing some tough assignments; dropping down the weights and now tried in cheekpieces but others look safer.

16/1

4

(8)

12th Jul 2025

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

14:12 Newmarket (July)

Maw Lam

9st 2lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Adrian Nicholls

Went close in Group 3 Firth Of Clyde Stakes at Ayr (6f, good to firm) last September; reappeared with fair fifth of 15 in the Group 3 Fred Darling at Newbury (7f, good) in April but has failed to build on that and she needs to raise her game now back up in trip.

16/1

6

(3)

20th Jun 2025

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

18:10 Ascot

Maw Lam

9st 5lb

J: Jack Nicholls

T: Adrian Nicholls

In the same ownership as Miss Lamai and finished just in front of that rival when third of 24 in last season's Queen Mary; unplaced in three starts this year but looks to retain all her ability, faring better than the result when sixth in a strong Listed race at Cork (5.5f, good) last month; a big run at rewarding odds can't be ruled out in this her first handicap.

28/1

7/1

Form: 2-1941 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 6lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
The winner of three of his six starts, the latest a neck defeat of Milford at Chester two weeks ago (6f, good); bred to carry on improving but he will need more if he's to follow up in this deeper race.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

(10)

24th Oct 2025

Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

17:10 Newbury

Showering

9st 10lb

J: Harry Burns

T: William Haggas

His progress looked to have stalled after winning at Chester in July but he was back to his best when third at Goodwood 12 days ago, not really getting a clear run at things until it was too late; runs off the same mark here but he will have to prove himself on soft ground.

8/1

2

(6)

12th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

15:37 Goodwood

Showering

9st 5lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: William Haggas

Down the field at Doncaster four weeks ago but that was his first attempt at 7f and it was in a more competitive race than this; he had a 3-8 strike-rate previously (including 6f wins on good/good to soft) and this 3yo could bounce back with a bold show for his top yard.

6/1

13th

8

(8)

14th Sep 2025

Good

0m 7f 6y

Class 2

14:30 Doncaster

Showering

9st 0lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: William Haggas

Strike-rate of 3-8, with one of those wins on good to soft; endured a wide trip when placed at Chester last time but was beaten 4l and whether he wants 7f remains to be seen (confined to sprinting thus far).

20/1

Non-runners

Dyonisos, Kings Call

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Prince Of India

TOPSPEED:

Zayer

SPOTLIGHT:

Up The Pace

Telegraph:

Milford

Daily Record:

Flash Harry

The Star:

Maw Lam

POSTDATA:

Prince Of India

NEWMARKET:

Prince Of India

The Guardian:

Prince Of India

D Express:

Prince Of India

Daily Mirror:

Prince Of India

The Sun:

Prince Of India

The Times:

Zayer

LAMBOURN:

Up The Pace

Daily Mail:

Milford