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One of the more unique fixtures takes place at Ascot this weekend with the Shergar Cup, often controversial, taking centre stage. The team-based format has often led to accusations of team tactics, and the riding from some of the jockeys from lower profile racing jurisdictions has often left a bit to be desired. However, recent tweaks have created a higher profile and more consistent event, and such changes have clearly worked as the meeting has attracted Ryan Moore for the first time in two decades.
The format is fairly simple: four teams – Europe, Hong Kong, Rest of the World and Great Britain & Northern Ireland – with points award based on finishing positions over six handicap races. Think the Ryder Cup of racing, with the team that accrues the most points winning the event. There’s also a Silver Saddle award for the highest scoring rider.
Most of the horses on show are exposed and less illustrious than their riders, but Hoseki looks an improver in the Shergar Cup Classic (15:55) and can land this for the outstanding Saffie Osbourne and team Great Britain & Northern Ireland.
Elsewhere, Haydock returns to Saturday action for the first time since May having had to carry out remedial work on the track when a hole appeared in the home straight. A number of their Stakes races had to be staged elsewhere as a result, but they have a couple of good ones here to make up for it.
Both feature odds-on shots who should win. Sallaal is one of the seasons big improvers having been gelded over the winter and took a rise to Listed class in his stride last time out, beating a good yardstick who has won since. He looks more professional now and looks to have Nahraan to beat in the Rose Of Lancaster Stakes (14:25). That colt ran well at Royal Ascot off a long break but has a bit to find on ratings.
Later on the card, the Dick Hern Stakes (15:00) should go the way of Fallen Angel. This multiple Group 1 winner gets some welcome class relief and, down the Listed level and unpenalised, should be good enough to see off unexposed 3-year-olds Alobayyah and Calendar Girl. Pacific Mission, runner up in the Juvenile Fillies Turf last year, was a big eye-catcher for me last time out and maybe she can complete the forecast with this track and ground sure to suit.
We also have some cracking racing in Ireland on Sunday, with the first juvenile Group 1 of the season in the shape of the Phoenix Stakes (16:00). Aidan O’Brien has a fine record in this race and his Sun Goddess heads the market here.
Race Of The Weekend
O’Brien may well land a quick Group 1 double on Sunday as his True Love looks set to go off favourite for the Prix Maurice de Gheest (15:40) at Deauville. This extended 6.5 furlong sprint sees milers and sprinters face off and I’m not sure True Love really wants to drop in trip again having been doing good work late over further last time. It may be that Stolen Kiss will be suited by this distance, however, having stormed home over the bare six furlongs at Royal Ascot last time out.
Horse To Watch
Graceful Song was odds-on for her Newmarket debut and she justified that market confidence with a stylish win. This well-bred daughter of Dubawi was very strong through the line there and should have learned plenty from that initial outing. She can land the Sweet Solera Stakes (13:55 Newmarket) this Saturday before contesting races at the very highest level.
