TV TIPS (SATURDAY)

The Shergar Cup takes centre stage on ITV this Saturday with six races from Ascot for this unique team competition plus an additional three races from Newmarket and Haydock as we analyse them all. 13:35 ASCOT

Fandom may still be on a fairly demanding mark, but his third of 15 over course and distance two starts ago represents solid form. A repeat of that effort should see him firmly in the mix once again.

All Ways Glamorous arrives chasing a hat-trick following victories on his last two starts and is sure to feature on plenty of punters’ shortlists.

Of the remainder, former course winner Bolo Neighs commands respect, while the booking of Ryan Moore aboard Spartan Arrow also catches the eye.

FANDOM (E/W)

13:55 NEWMARKET

Despite showing signs of greenness, Graceful Song produced a dominant performance when making a winning racecourse debut over course and distance. The unbeaten youngster deserves her chance at this higher level and, with Billy Loughnane booked for the ride, she looks capable of taking the step up in her stride.

Nuit d’Eclair proved she belongs at this level when finishing fourth, beaten only a length, at Royal Ascot. This arguably represents an easier assignment and she looks the most likely danger to the selection.

Course-and-distance winner China In Your Hand makes most appeal of the remainder, although she may struggle to trouble the leading pair.

GRACEFUL SONG (WIN)

14:10 ASCOT

This looks a wide-open contest in which a case can be made for a sizeable proportion of the field.

Current market leader Shrimp Shady has improved with each start this season and returned to the winner’s enclosure last time out. The obvious concern is a rising handicap mark, although the booking of Ryan Moore is certainly a positive.

Hermetic finished two places ahead of Shrimp Shady when the pair met at Newcastle and, with Ian Williams’ runner meeting that rival on even more favourable terms this time, there is no guarantee the form will be reversed. At the likely prices, Hermetic makes plenty of each-way appeal.

Kilmeaden is another interesting contender on his first start for Faye Bramley following a respectable career in Ireland, while fellow four-year-old Pole Star has been inconsistent but possesses enough ability to get involved if producing his best.

SHRIMP SHADY (WIN) HERMETIC (E/W)

14:25 HAYDOCK

Nahraan disappointed when sent off favourite at Royal Ascot, but it would be no surprise to see the four-year-old produce a much better effort here.

Even so, Sallaal is difficult to overlook as he bids to complete a hat-trick. He needs to find further improvement now stepping into Group company, but he looks firmly on an upward trajectory and may not have reached his ceiling yet.

Karl Burke’s Convergent is also worth keeping an eye on. He looks generously priced and could easily outrun his odds if returning to something approaching his best.

SALLAAL (WIN)

14:45 ASCOT

Night Breeze won this race last year and returns to defend his crown following another consistent campaign. However, he has a hefty weight to contend with this time around and may prove vulnerable to a better-handicapped rival, although another prominent showing would come as no surprise.

Asgard’s Captain and Insanity have both performed well at Ascot, but their current marks make life considerably tougher.

Despite being the oldest runner in the field, Fantasy Believer boasts a solid record at the course. Softer ground would perhaps strengthen confidence, but the veteran has enough in his favour to warrant an each-way chance, particularly with the yard operating in excellent form.

Frances Ethel competed at the highest level in her native South Africa before joining William Haggas. She is interesting back up in trip, but a 248-day absence tempers enthusiasm and a place may be the best she can hope for on her return.

FANTASY BELIEVER (E/W)

15:00 HAYDOCK

Multiple Group 1 winner Fallen Angel is comfortably the class act in this field and brings the strongest form to the table. Dropping into Listed company, she sets a clear standard and should take plenty of beating.

Kensington Palace Stakes winner Alobayyah arrives in excellent form and has certainly earned her opportunity at this level, although she may have to settle for minor honours against the favourite.

Perhaps the biggest threat comes from Andrew Balding’s Pacific Mission, who has already filled the places in Group company. Any further improvement could see him give Fallen Angel something to think about.

FALLEN ANGEL – PACIFIC MISSION (REV FCAST)

15:20 ASCOT

Thunder Call went close when finishing third last time out and, in what appears a weaker contest, he looks the standout contender.

That assessment could change considerably should first reserve Anyasi make the field. Roger Varian’s charge would be making his handicap debut following back-to-back victories in novice company and remains open to plenty of improvement.

If Anyasi gets a run, the pair make considerably more appeal than the remainder of the field and it would be no surprise to see the winner emerge from the duo.

May Angel looks best of the rest, although she may need to find more to trouble the leading contenders.

THUNDER CALL (WIN) ANYASI (E/W) — IF DECLARED TO RUN

15:55 ASCOT

Perhaps the hardest race on the card to decipher, with numerous runners holding realistic claims.

Hoseki is three from three in 2026, although she was pushed close on her latest outing and now faces what appears a more competitive assignment. At the likely prices, she could be worth taking on.

Level Look was a beaten favourite last time but lost little in defeat and a repeat of that performance should put him firmly in contention once again.

Pierre Grosse and Blue Hercules both filled the runner-up spot on their latest starts and also enter calculations on the strength of those performances.

In a tricky contest, Level Look gets the each-way vote.

LEVEL LOOK (E/W)

16:30 ASCOT

The sixth and final race on the card features a trio of runners who make particular appeal: top-weight Cerulean Bay, former course-and-distance winner Ebt’s Guard and Richard Spencer’s Two Tribes.

Cerulean Bay has been knocking on the door throughout the season without getting his head in front. He was narrowly denied when runner-up last time and looks capable of picking up more prize-money, although top weight makes this no easy task.

Ebt’s Guard is a genuine Ascot specialist, boasting course form figures of 31071324. He remains on a high but workable handicap mark and ticks plenty of boxes that several of his rivals do not.

Two Tribes is another with a good record at the track and becomes particularly interesting as he steps up to a mile for the first time. He stayed on strongly when runner-up over seven furlongs two starts ago, suggesting this longer trip could unlock further improvement.

Cerulean Bay’s burden at the head of the weights just tips the balance towards the other two.

EBT’S GUARD (E/W) TWO TRIBES (E/W) written by Rory Paddock