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

4th

5

(8)

23rd May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

19:15 Salisbury

Prince Of India

9st 7lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: Marco Botti

Made good progress over 6f last season; better than ever with his second at Leicester four weeks ago (6f, good to firm); still has more to give but this looks deep for a Listed contest.

5/1

2nd

3

(10)

25th Apr 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:05 Leicester

Prince Of India

9st 9lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: Marco Botti

Won four times during a progressive campaign last year but he's come up short in Listed/Group 3 events this spring; seems ideally suited by fast ground but he's still 4lb higher than for his last win and has some work to do back in a handicap.

7/1

10th

8

(2)

16th Apr 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:00 Newmarket

Prince Of India

9st 9lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Marco Botti

Only fifth when favourite for AW event on reappearance but is reasonably interesting back on turf, provided he gets ideal ground; has form figures of 12113 on good/firmer, the final effort in Listed grade behind Elmonjed; may still have more to offer.

12/1

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

6th

3

(10)

23rd May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

19:15 Salisbury

Flash Harry

9st 7lb

J: Joe Leavy

T: Clive Cox

Won two 6f events last summer, notably a Goodwood handicap (good to to firm; RPR 106) in August; not at the same level in the Ayr Gold Cup when last seen but there should be more to come this year.

12/1

10

(15)

20th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:35 Ayr

Flash Harry

9st 5lb

J: Jack Nicholls

T: Clive Cox

Unexposed 3yo; solid effort when third in a Shergar Cup sprint last month and made no mistake in a small field at Goodwood four weeks ago (also 6f, good to firm); penalty in a stronger race asks a big question of him, even though 2lb well in, and this will be the slowest ground he's tackled.

14/1

3

(4)

24th Aug 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:00 Goodwood

Flash Harry

9st 2lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Clive Cox

Unexposed 3yo who has raced only four times; gained his maiden win on AW, producing a useful RPR; ran creditably in Shergar Cup event at Ascot (good to firm) most recently, while leaving the impression this return to a sharper 6f will suit; respected.

11/4

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

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

4th

5

(2)

17th Apr 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

17:25 Newbury

Hucklesbrook

9st 5lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Roger Teal

Won a couple of useful 6f 3yo handicaps in the first half of 2025; no progress since but he is edging back down the weights; returns from four months off and he will need to be at his best.

14/1

1

(6)

31st Oct 2025

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 3

17:45 Southwell (AW)

Hucklesbrook

9st 11lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Roger Teal

Jolt of improvement this summer, winning a strong Leicester handicap in May and following up at York in June (both over 6f on good to firm); well beaten on his last two starts though and returns from a 12-week break with something to prove.

12/1

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

7th

1

(7)

8th Apr 2026

Good

0m 5f 212y

Class 4

17:05 Catterick

Franciscos Piece

9st 9lb

J: Oisin McSweeney

T: Adrian Paul Keatley

Smart 2yo; struggled in good handicaps last year but he has slipped down the weights and begins this campaign in a lower grade; one to keep a close eye on this year but drying ground isn't in his favour (best on soft/heavy).

6/1

10

(2)

25th Oct 2025

Heavy

0m 5f 3y

Class 2

13:30 Doncaster

Franciscos Piece

8st 13lb

J: Barry McHugh

T: Adrian Paul Keatley

Not matched 2yo form this year but he's been tackling deep races and appears to retain ability; his four best efforts have come on deep ground and if he is to revive, it is likely to be under these conditions; stable would ideally be in better form but he's an interesting outsider.

20/1

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

6th

7

(11)

31st May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

17:45 Thirsk

Milford

9st 1lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Julie Camacho

0-14 since debut win in May 2024 but he often ran well in some quality handicaps last season; returns on a competitive mark having had wind surgery; could have a part to play if fully tuned up.

12/1

6

(8)

24th Oct 2025

Heavy

0m 6f 2y

Class 2

13:33 Doncaster

Milford

9st 6lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: Julie Camacho

Placed four times for current stable and last two efforts can be forgiven (raced in the most disadvantaged group in Ayr Gold Cup latest); record of 0-12 since debut win is the downside.

14/1

19

(12)

20th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:35 Ayr

Milford

9st 1lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: Julie Camacho

Not added to his debut win but he has been placed on four occasions this season; got messed about early when down the field at York four weeks ago; cheekpieces now tried; stable looks to have stronger claims elsewhere.

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