TV TIPS (SATURDAY)

The Shergar Cup takes centre stage at Ascot this Saturday and we preview every race, plus additional live ITV action right here. 13:35 ASCOT

A previous winner of this race back in 2022 Manaccan hasn't been anywhere near his best over the past year however that came in group race company so a return to handicaps is bound to aid his chances. Down at this level and now below his last wining handicap mark he's got a fantastic chance.

Fellow course and distance victor Dream Composer and Toca Madera look the obvious dangers and it's the latter who also deserves a chance to make the frame. Was quietly fancied at Goodwood before being pulled out and with this contest looking an easier test it could prove to be a blessing in disguise.

MANACCAN (E/W)

TOCA MADERA (E/W)

(Rory Paddock)

14:10 ASCOT

Despite winning the Northumberland Plate last time out, it's hard to fancy Spirit Mixer with such a hefty weight to carry and a return to turf. Shouldn't be disgraced, but likely to find one or two too good here.

For punters on the hunt for an each-way alternative Maghlaak could be the answer. A consistent performer who, despite not being the most prolific, has gone well here at this venue before, and unlike some, is proven over this trip. A serious contender who could outrun their odds.

That being said, it's hard to look past the current market leader, La Vita Nova. The Irish raider hails from the yard of Jessica Harrington. The four-year-old has gone well in big field handicaps at the Curragh, and this could be an easier test. Looks the most likely victor.

LA VITA NOVA (WIN)

(Rory Paddock)

14:25 HAYDOCK

Seemingly a case of the old guard versus the new up and comers and it's one of the toughest races of the day to call. If Shuwari were anywhere near her best she'd demolish this field but a lengthy absence and a lacklustre return makes her difficult to trust. If she shows significant improvement after her long awaited return she'll be hard to beat but with questions to answer you're forced to look elsewhere.

The three at the head of the market are all aged three and it's tricky to split Never Let Go, Protest and Suite Francaise. All have produced solid form this season with Never Let Go claiming the Sandringham at Royal Ascot and Protest a recent winner at last weeks Glorious Goodwood. It's hard to gauge the form of the Sandringham with the winner hailing from a small group of four that raced together, could it be a case of the draw playing a major factor? As for Protest there's a concern that the Goodwood run was too recent and she may have a few battle scars from that performance. As such we're left taking a tentative decision to hope that Suite Francaise can make the frame once more and pick up some place money.

SUITE FRANCAISE (E/W)

(Rory Paddock)

14:45 ASCOT

A 1m 4f handicap up next and last years winner insanity is back to defend his crown, he’s 5lbs higher and comes here off the back of a poor run last time out, would likely need a career best to win this. 

Claymore had tumbled down the weights before winning two starts back, the drop back in trip would not have been to his liking next time and he is still well handicapped on his old exploits, I’d expect him to at least make the frame. Night breeze has seen plenty of early money and has to be considered after a consistent season.

CLAYMORE (E/W)

(Toby Darby)

15:00 HAYDOCK

Royal Dubai made a good impression when winning on debut for Owen Burrows, at Newbury. That was a good race but maybe he needs more today. Haatem won over this distance at Royal Ascot and wasn’t disgraced over a mile, last time out. He’s got the class and warrants danger. Detain was poor at Royal Ascot but had ran with credit in the French classics, placing in the Derby. He receives weight and as long as Ascot was a fluke, he can repay punters today.

DETAIN (WIN)

(Kieran McHugh)

15:20 ASCOT

If the rain were to fall then we'd be urging punters to lump on Francisco's Piece but the expected firm ground has put pay to his chances before he's even entered the stalls.

Prince Of India and Hucklesbrook will relish the ground and both have serious claims however they've taken huge leaps in the ratings and whether they can perform with more weight on their back only time will tell. Hard to discourage anyone from backing the aforementioned but an each way option looks to be Zayer. Has gone close in big handicaps in their last two starts and remains on the same mark again here. Has a great chance of making the frame once more.

ZAYER (E/W)

(Rory Paddock)

15:40 NEWMARKET

Dance To The Music won nicely at Newmarket over 6f and this 7th furlong should suit but that was three months ago and she doesn’t have any glamorous entries. The re-opposing Midnight Tango has improved since then but nothing else has franked the form from a small field. The keen-going Midnight Tango gives mixed messages on her performances as to whether this trip will suit. 

Venetian Lace returns to the scene of an errant display late on but that still looks the best form on offer and is given another chance to lead her terpsichorean challengers a merry dance. 

VENETIAN LACE (WIN)

(Alan Morris)

15:55 ASCOT

Topteam hasn’t looked back since switching from the AW to turf, winning his last three including a battling success on first attempt over a mile and a half at Thirsk last month. He should have more to give over this trip, however may have to settle for minor honours today as Tenability also arrives here in excellent form and a convincing course and distance success a couple of weeks ago sets the standard. Mdawi disappointed last time out but a win and a second over this trip in July gives hope of a bounce back and he completes the shortlist.

TENABILITY (WIN)

(Dean Kilbryde)

16:30 ASCOT

Miss Information was a smart winner of the Kensington Palace at Royal Ascot but was a shade disappointing when last seen, could bounce back to for with the return to Ascot. Treasure Time was in scintillating form in 2024 but has failed to fire on both starts this season, remains 6lb higher than his York success but a return to that form would see him hit the places at the very least. Likely favourite Urban Lion hasn't been seen since finishing fifth in the Royal Hunt Cup at Royal Ascot, that's the standout form and he could take alot of beating if able to reproduce that performance. 

URBAN LION (WIN) 

(Liam Hall)