Put on your Dancing shoes for the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup. Ascot’s annual team event isn’t everyone’s cup of tea but its unique formula, which pits jockeys from across the world against each other, does open up some interesting angles. Horses ridden by the likes of Ryan Moore and Dylan Browne McMonagle are sure to be popular in the betting, but the competition is sometimes lit up by a foreign rider.
Dancing In Paris for the Stayers
It could be Hong Kong-based Luke Ferraris this year. His first ride is on DANCING IN PARIS (2.10) and he looks to have a much better chance than his odds suggest in the Shergar Cup Stayers. He ran a sound race behind smart prospect Al Azd at Ascot a couple of weeks ago considering the 1m4f trip is too short for him these days. This 2m distance suits him better as he showed when runner-up in last year’s Northumberland Plate. He was also an excellent fourth behind subsequent Group 2 winner Santorini Star at York.
The handicapper has started to cut him some slack and he could be about to take advantage. Have 1pt each-way at 16-1. A few bookies are paying out on four places.
May Angel for the Sprint
The Gosdens have struggled to find the key to MAY ANGEL (3.20) but Ascot’s stiff 6f of the Shergar Cup Sprint might suit him perfectly. He has done most of his racing over 7f and he was always going to find things happening a bit quickly when dropped to 5f for the Palace Of Holyroodhouse Stakes at Royal Ascot. Newmarket’s sharper 6f wasn’t ideal in a hot handicap for three-year-olds at the July Meeting but he was only beaten less than three lengths despite his jockey taking it easy when it was clear he wasn’t going to win.
Everything could be about to come together under experienced French rider Christophe Lemaire. Have 1pt each-way at 14-1. Several firms are offering four places.
Pacific Mission at Haydock
Racing returns to Haydock following the course’s drainage issues. Top filly Fallen Angel is the star attraction in the Irish Stallion Farms Dick Hern Stakes but she might be worth taking on with PACIFIC MISSION (3.00). She was runner-up in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf and she has had valid excuses for her two below-par runs this season. Have 1pt each-way at 9-1.
