Shergar Cup Betting Tips
The annual Shergar Cup meeting is upon us and it includes six competitive handicaps to get stuck into.
The unique event features four teams of jockeys, representing GB and Ireland, Europe, Rest Of The World and a Ladies team who are all set to do battle across six races.
We’ve picked out selections for all six contests on Ascot’s card and they feature a couple of value bets for Saturday’s action.
13:35 Ascot - 5f Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Dash (Handicap) (Class 2)
The Dash is always one of the more exciting races on Shergar Cup day and it’s a typically competitive opener to the card. A case can be made for plenty but Joanna Mason gets on board Desert Cop who may find this drop back to a stiff five furlongs in his favour.
Selection: Desert Cop
14:10 Ascot - 2m Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Stayers (Handicap) (Class 2)
There are plenty in with claims in the stayers’ race but Samui looks like the one to side with if he gets in (currently first reserve). He bolted up in Ireland last time out and a repeat of that effort should be good enough, despite his revised mark.
Selection: Samui
14:45 Ascot - 1m4f Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Challenge (Handicap) (Class 2)
The Goat got his head back in front at Kempton last time out and he looks like a major player now he’s back in form. The son of Cracksman should go well on this surface given that all-weather form usually translates well to Ascot’s sand based track and this four-year-old is less exposed than most of his rivals.
Selection: The Goat
15:20 Ascot - 6f Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Sprint (Handicap) (Class 2)
This is another sprint on Ascot’s straight track and it looks like a good opportunity for Jarraaf to make it three wins from five career starts.
The son of Zoustar made easy work of a course-and-distance handicap last time out and an 8lb rise looks fairly lenient considering the dominance of that success.
Selection: Jarraaf
15:55 Ascot - 1m4f Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Classic (Handicap) (Class 3)
The Shergar Cup Classic is always one of the better races of the meeting and this year we have a short-priced favourite in Solomon.
He got his head back in front with any amount in hand last time out and can continue his progress by stepping up in trip for this assignment.
Selection: Solomon
16:30 Ascot - 1m (Round) Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Mile (Handicap) (Class 2)
The finale has a very open look to it and a case can be made for plenty in this field. The one who appeals most is New Image, who hasn’t finished outside of the first four in seven starts this campaign.
David O’Meara’s charge was beaten only a neck in a mightily competitive seven furlong handicap at this venue last time out, shaping like he would relish the return to a mile. This contest could work out well for him with some front runners likely to give him a decent pace to aim at.
Selection: New Image