14:10 Ascot
Saturday 9 August 2025
All13:3514:1014:4515:2015:5516:30
Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Stayers (Handicap) (GBBPlus Race)
- 4YO plus | Class 2 | 1m 7f 209y | Good to Firm (Good in places) | 9 Runners | Turf | Weighed In
- Off time: 14:10 | Winning time: 3m 42.29s
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Course scorer but winless since landing a conditions event at Southwell at the start of 2024 and he failed to come on for his reappearance, albeit turned out quickly/ridden aggressively when last of 6 in handicap at this course (12f, firm) 28 days ago. Passed over despite sliding mark.
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Won first 2 handicap starts last term but become unpredictable since, failing by a long chalk to build on an encouraging third in Queen Alexandra Stakes here at the Royal Meeting when last of 4 behind Almuhit in handicap at Newbury (16.5f) 21 days ago. Still, claims if putting his best foot forward.
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Grand servant to connections who tasted success twice over 2m at Chester last autumn and he comes here having fended off Dancing in Paris to land 20-runner Northumberland Plate (16.2f) on latest outing 6 weeks ago. Good fourth in this race 12 months ago and he's respected once more.
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Dual winner over hurdles upon joining present yard over the winter. Went close in a 1½m York handicap on reappearance in May and largely run with credit under both codes since, just touched off back over hurdles at Market Rasen recently. Others appeal a little more for win purposes, however.
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Irresolute performer who showed the benefit of a recent run when runner-up over hurdles in June prior to finishing ½-length third of 4 to Almuhit in handicap at Newbury (16.5f) 21 days ago. However, that doesn't appeal as strong form and more on his plate in this field.
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Made a winning start for current yard at Leicester (11.8f) in April and essentially held his form well in defeat more recently, looking very much at home on first crack at this trip when third in 6-runner C&D handicap 15 days ago. No reason why he won't go well again.
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Won twice over hurdles for Gary Brown earlier this year and very positive start for new yard, lining up here having bagged small-field Newbury handicaps at 2m in recent months. This demands even more but his likeable attitude will continue to stand him in good stead.
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Lightly-raced filly who was landed a Limerick maiden (11.3f) last summer. Improved further this term, making the frame in pair of Curragh handicaps (at up to 2m) on first 2 starts. Not disgraced when third at Down Royal (13f) latest and return to 2m looks a plus. Interesting with cheekpieces added.
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Gained first success on turf at Ripon in April and has largely remained in form, not seen to best effect when seventh of 13 in valuable handicap at Newmarket (14f) 4 weeks ago. However, his present mark looks about right and he may have to settle for a minor role here.
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Non-Runners
3
(8)
Dancing In Paris7
Weight: 9-12| Age: 5
T: Ian Williams J: Dario Di Tocco
NR
Forecasts
La Vita Nova (7/4), Spirit Mixer (4/1), Dancing In Paris (9/2), Fireblade (13/2), Artisan Dancer (7/1), Almuhit (8/1), Maghlaak (11/1), Wild Waves (11/1), Scottish Anthem (22/1), Enemy (40/1)
Jessica Harrington landed this prize 2 years ago and she looks to hold solid claims of repeating the feat with LA VITA NOVA. Having made the frame on her first 2 starts in handicaps this term, she possibly found the drop back to 13f against her at Down Royal last time. Open to further progress as a stayer, first-time cheekpieces could put an extra edge on her and she gets the nod. Northumberland Plate 1-2 Spirit Mixer and Dancing in Paris are obvious dangers. Fireblade is another to consider.
- La Vita Nova7/4
- Spirit Mixer4/1
Previous Winners
Prize Money
1st: £39,344.002nd: £13,776.003rd: £6,296.004th: £4,912.005th: £4,328.006th: £3,152.007th: £2,560.008th: £1,968.009th: £1,376.0010th: £984.00
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