August 08 / 16.30 Ascot

16.30

Good To Firm

Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Mile (Handicap)

  • Prize money: £49180
  • 0m 7f 213y
  • Class 2
  • 12 runners
ITV
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Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Mile (Handicap)

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

7/1 (Won)

  • Win: £11.00
  • Place: £3.25

Form: -48032 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 103

Form & Verdict
He has returned from the Middle East with fine efforts at Newmarket (7f, good to firm) and over 1m on the straight course here (good to firm) in July; should remain competitive under these conditions.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

3

(12)

8th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 213y

Class 2

16:30 Ascot

Crown Board

9st 12lb

J: Mme Frida Valle Skar

T: Jane Chapple-Hyam

He has returned from the Middle East with fine efforts at Newmarket (7f, good to firm) and over 1m on the straight course here (good to firm) in July; should remain competitive under these conditions.

7/1

2nd

2

(10)

25th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

16:45 Ascot

Crown Board

9st 11lb

J: Silvestre De Sousa

T: Jane Chapple-Hyam

Inconsistent but he's just 1lb higher than when making all at Chelmsford (1m, AW) last December and he returned from a break with an encouraging third at Newmarket (7f, good to firm) three weeks ago, when again making the running; might not face much opposition for the lead; chance.

13/2

3rd

2

(10)

4th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

16:25 Newmarket (July)

Crown Board

10st 1lb

J: Silvestre De Sousa

T: Jane Chapple-Hyam

Pops up with the odd very big run, such as when capitalising on an easy lead at Chelmsford (1m, AW) last December; he's just 2lb higher today and is not ruled out but he's inconsistent and this is his first start since a heavy Group 3 defeat on dirt at Meydan in February.

16/1

4/1

  • Place: £2.00

Form: 170-70 D

Last run: 84 days

W: 9st 10lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 101

Form & Verdict
Strong handicap form last summer, runner-up in both Ascot runs (1m, straight course) before landing a valuable prize at York's Ebor meeting; only 1lb higher today after a couple of low-key runs in May; interesting with cheekpieces now given a go.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

7

(2)

8th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 213y

Class 2

16:30 Ascot

Bullet Point

9st 10lb

J: Christophe-Patrice Lemaire

T: William Haggas

Strong handicap form last summer, runner-up in both Ascot runs (1m, straight course) before landing a valuable prize at York's Ebor meeting; only 1lb higher today after a couple of low-key runs in May; interesting with cheekpieces now given a go.

4/1

12th

3

(4)

16th May 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

17:00 Newbury

Bullet Point

9st 11lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: William Haggas

Can front-run; had 1m wins at Newmarket and York last season, with two seconds at Ascot in between including the Royal Hunt Cup; makes plenty of appeal on that evidence but needs to bounce back from an underwhelming reappearance when second favourite at Newmarket two weeks ago.

11/2

7th

1

(6)

2nd May 2026

Good

1m 1f 0y

Class 2

14:20 Newmarket

Bullet Point

9st 12lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: William Haggas

Can front-run; 1m wins here last April and in 17-runner race at the York Ebor meeting in August, with his two seconds at Ascot in between including the Royal Hunt Cup; last two outings leave him with a bit to prove, as they were 1m1f, but it's not too hard to excuse them and he is a strong contender.

9/2

Form: -04439 CD

Last run: 8 days

W: 9st 12lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 103

Form & Verdict
Defied a 5lb lower mark in the corresponding race 12 months ago; many good runs in defeat since then, including his fourth in the Royal Hunt Cup, and he is unlikely to be too far away.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

5

(7)

8th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 213y

Class 2

16:30 Ascot

Ebts Guard

9st 12lb

J: Suraj Narredu

T: William Muir & Chris Grassick

Defied a 5lb lower mark in the corresponding race 12 months ago; many good runs in defeat since then, including his fourth in the Royal Hunt Cup, and he is unlikely to be too far away.

7/1

9th

3

(3)

31st Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:00 Goodwood

Ebts Guard

9st 11lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: William Muir & Chris Grassick

Currently in a consistent vein of form that ties him in with some of today's opponents; creditable third to Indalo at Sandown most recently; Goodwood record comprises a couple of second-place finishes at this meeting, including in this race last year; solid claims.

9/1

3rd

3

(4)

4th Jul 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

14:25 Sandown

Ebts Guard

9st 6lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: William Muir & Chris Grassick

Similar type to Cerulean Bay in that he ran creditably in the Royal Hunt Cup (fourth) last time but is getting little help from the assessor, having proved largely consistent since his last win; solid contender all the same.

11/1

OUR TIP

Form: 000720 C BF

Last run: 7 days

W: 9st 13lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 104

Form & Verdict
Won a valuable 7f handicap here last summer before bolting up in the Stewards' Cup one week later; another fine course run here last month when second of 16 and he was heavily supported for a Stewards' Cup repeat, only to stumble leaving the stalls; that run is easily excused but he is back up 2lb today and his stamina for 1m has to be taken on trust.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

(10)

8th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 213y

Class 2

16:30 Ascot

Two Tribes

9st 13lb

J: Dylan Browne McMonagle

T: Richard Spencer

Won a valuable 7f handicap here last summer before bolting up in the Stewards' Cup one week later; another fine course run here last month when second of 16 and he was heavily supported for a Stewards' Cup repeat, only to stumble leaving the stalls; that run is easily excused but he is back up 2lb today and his stamina for 1m has to be taken on trust.

15/2

27th

8

(13)

1st Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:35 Goodwood

Two Tribes

9st 6lb

J: David Egan

T: Richard Spencer

Surged to the front 1f out when dominant in this race (good to soft) 12 months ago; 7lb higher this time around but he was better than ever when second in a hot handicap at Ascot last week (7f, good to firm) when coming from further back than ideal; 2lb ahead of the handicapper and he has a fine chance of becoming the fifth horse to win back-to-back Stewards' Cups (Commanche Falls in 2021 and 2022 was the latest).

8/1

2nd

4

(1)

25th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

14:55 Ascot

Two Tribes

9st 12lb

J: David Egan

T: Richard Spencer

Won this last year (good) and followed up in the Stewards' Cup at Goodwood (6f, good to soft); after a very good start to this year at Meydan he hasn't hit the same heights since; his recent seventh in the Bunbury Cup at Newmarket was a step back in the right direction but he needs another today.

20/1

16/1

Form: 227044 C

Last run: 35 days

W: 9st 6lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Solid fourth-place finishes in good handicaps at Epsom and Sandown on his last two starts; suspicion he will prove vulnerable for win purposes.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

8

(6)

8th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 213y

Class 2

16:30 Ascot

Popmaster

9st 6lb

J: L J Ferraris

T: Ed Walker

Solid fourth-place finishes in good handicaps at Epsom and Sandown on his last two starts; suspicion he will prove vulnerable for win purposes.

16/1

4th

9

(11)

4th Jul 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

14:25 Sandown

Popmaster

8st 13lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Ed Walker

Ran respectably at Epsom last time but still has a poor strike-rate in recent years and hasn't won on turf since 2023; the 8yo looks unlikely to prevail in another competitive field.

40/1

4th

2

(15)

5th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 0f 113y

Class 2

16:40 Epsom

Popmaster

9st 9lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Ed Walker

Seven wins include three on good to soft/soft; also won on AW at Kempton (1m) in February but only midfield in valuable events at Newcastle (AW) and Ascot (good) on his last two starts; however, latter effort was better than it looks having been poorly drawn.

33/1

Form: -16100 D

Last run: 8 days

W: 9st 12lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 103

Form & Verdict
Won handicaps at Newmarket and Epsom this summer before finishing down the field in the Royal Hunt Cup; only 14th of 18 at Goodwood (1m, good to firm) eight days ago but that doesn't tell the story of his run as he was travelling well but with nowhere to go for most of the home straight; he will need a career best to win but it is not out of the question.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

4

(1)

8th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 213y

Class 2

16:30 Ascot

Mister Winston

9st 12lb

J: Jerry Chau

T: Andrew Balding

Won handicaps at Newmarket and Epsom this summer before finishing down the field in the Royal Hunt Cup; only 14th of 18 at Goodwood (1m, good to firm) eight days ago but that doesn't tell the story of his run as he was travelling well but with nowhere to go for most of the home straight; he will need a career best to win but it is not out of the question.

11/1

14th

4

(19)

31st Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:00 Goodwood

Mister Winston

9st 10lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

Record of 2-4 since being gelded features a success at Epsom on Oaks day when overcoming trouble; down the field in the Royal Hunt Cup 12 days later but perhaps the race came too soon; rested over six weeks since and may rebound.

20/1

23th

17

(10)

17th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Mister Winston

9st 4lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

Overcame trouble to win by 1l at Epsom (8.5f, good to soft) on Oaks day, taking record since being gelded to 2-3 and overall strike-rate to 4-12; returns to a hotter handicap but he's improving steadily and 1lb well in under a penalty; not dismissed.

14/1

8th
10 (5)
Serengeti

33/1

Form: 450010

Last run: 50 days

W: 9st 5lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Four runs for Mike Murphy have yielded three heavy defeats and a shock 1m2f win at Windsor in May; opposable on balance of form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

10

(5)

8th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 213y

Class 2

16:30 Ascot

Serengeti

9st 5lb

J: C Y Ho

T: Mike Murphy

Four runs for Mike Murphy have yielded three heavy defeats and a shock 1m2f win at Windsor in May; opposable on balance of form.

33/1

15th

19

(6)

19th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

15:40 Ascot

Serengeti

9st 3lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Mike Murphy

In his third yard since leaving Aidan O'Brien last autumn; third run for current trainer when upped to 1m2f and tongue tied first time at Windsor (good to firm) last month, starting 50-1 in a six-runner race but leading 1f out and narrowly holding off two challengers; back up just 1lb but this is another new trip and it's a vastly more competitive race.

66/1

1st

3

(6)

25th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 0y

Class 3

16:25 Windsor

Serengeti

9st 9lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Mike Murphy

Not particularly solid on his 7f/1m form for a few yards since leaving Ballydoyle; chance largely depends on the effects of new trip and first-time tongue-tie.

14/1

Form: 425842 D

Last run: 8 days

W: 10st 1lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 106

Form & Verdict
Finished second behind Ebt's Guard in this race 12 months ago when rated 14lb lower; he has earned his lofty rating since then, winning twice at Goodwood last autumn and recording a career-best RPR when second of 18 in the Golden Mile at Goodwood eight days ago; another big run anticipated.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

1

(9)

8th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 213y

Class 2

16:30 Ascot

Cerulean Bay

10st 1lb

J: Jamie Melham

T: David O’Meara

Finished second behind Ebt's Guard in this race 12 months ago when rated 14lb lower; he has earned his lofty rating since then, winning twice at Goodwood last autumn and recording a career-best RPR when second of 18 in the Golden Mile at Goodwood eight days ago; another big run anticipated.

11/2

2nd

1

(13)

31st Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:00 Goodwood

Cerulean Bay

9st 12lb

J: Colin Keane

T: David O’Meara

Blew his chance at the start in most recent handicap attempt but generally consistent otherwise in the last year and ties in with several of today's rivals on Royal Hunt Cup form; 2-2 at Goodwood and looks interesting back here despite remaining on a career-high mark.

16/1

4th

1

(6)

26th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 6y

Class 1

16:00 Pontefract

Cerulean Bay

9st 7lb

J: David Nolan

T: David O’Meara

Two wins in 1m handicaps at Goodwood last autumn; began the season with three good runs, notably his second of 18 in a 1m handicap at York in May, and latest disappointment can be attributed to his messy start (reared as the stalls opened); should go well.

4/1

14/1

Form: 2214-0 D

Last run: 51 days

W: 9st 11lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Progressive 3yo last year; gelded prior to finishing down the field in the Buckingham Palace Stakes here (7f, good to firm) at the Royal meeting, a run that is easily excused given his draw; now tongue tied; not fully exposed at 1m and he is one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

6

(11)

8th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 213y

Class 2

16:30 Ascot

Fondo Blanco

9st 11lb

J: Mme Marie Velon

T: Roger Varian

Progressive 3yo last year; gelded prior to finishing down the field in the Buckingham Palace Stakes here (7f, good to firm) at the Royal meeting, a run that is easily excused given his draw; now tongue tied; not fully exposed at 1m and he is one to consider.

14/1

21th

4

(6)

18th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

18:10 Ascot

Fondo Blanco

9st 10lb

J: Ray Dawson

T: Roger Varian

Steadily progressive and has a largely solid record; won well in his last handicap attempt, then ran well in Listed grade; gelded since; has C&D form and looks an interesting contender on seasonal debut, with further improvement a possibility; market support should be heeded.

16/1

7/2

Form: -00800 D

Last run: 8 days

W: 9st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

11/1

Form: -66020 D

Last run: 51 days

W: 9st 4lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

(3)

8th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 213y

Class 2

16:30 Ascot

Storm Star

9st 4lb

T: Andrew Balding

11/1

15th

17

(25)

18th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

18:10 Ascot

Storm Star

9st 3lb

J: Alfie Redman

T: Andrew Balding

Has gained all wins on Newcastle AW, the most recent on finals day last year; however, ran well at Ascot (1m, good to firm) returned to turf last time, taking form figures in this sphere to 3232; seems effective over 7f and may remain competitive.

33/1

2nd

1

(2)

1st May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

17:30 Ascot

Storm Star

10st 0lb

J: Alfie Redman

T: Andrew Balding

All four wins have been on the AW at Newcastle, including a hat-trick early last year; back on his last winning mark and he did chase a strong pace last time (in a race he won 12 months earlier) before folding late on; lightly raced on turf.

8/1

6/1

Form: -06061 C

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 4lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12

(4)

8th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 213y

Class 2

16:30 Ascot

Hickory

9st 4lb

T: Jamie Osborne

6/1

1st

7

(7)

25th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

16:45 Ascot

Hickory

9st 1lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: Jamie Osborne

8yo who hasn't been at the top of his game this season (twice here); however, he took a step back in the right direction when sixth of 13 to Asmen Warrior at Newmarket (1m, good to firm) last time and he may be able to build on it back at a track where he had a good record last season.

11/1

6th

3

(8)

9th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

17:20 Newmarket (July)

Hickory

10st 1lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: Jamie Osborne

In top form at the end of last season but this 8yo hasn't performed at the same level on his three outings this year and needs to raise his game.

33/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £58.80
Straight Forecast £45.90
Tricast £155.20
Trifecta £385.70

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Bullet Point

The Guardian:

Ozat

NEWMARKET:

Fondo Blanco

Daily Mirror:

Crown Board

TOPSPEED:

Cerulean Bay

LAMBOURN:

Ebt's Guard

Daily Mail:

Two Tribes

Telegraph:

Fondo Blanco

RP RATINGS:

Bullet Point

The Times:

Bullet Point

The Star:

Bullet Point

D Express:

Ozat

The Sun:

Ozat

Daily Record:

Crown Board

POSTDATA:

Cerulean Bay