Shergar Cup Preview

The annual Shergar Cup is arguably one of the most unique fixtures in the racing calendar. With jockeys from around the world competing in a fierce team-racing format.

1.35 – Shergar Cup Dash (Handicap)

Fast and furious is the order of the day and Apollo One currently tops the market following a narrow defeat in last week’s Stewards’ Cup. Albeit he was no match for the winner, Get It, that was a solid run, and he merits consideration should he fulfil his entry. Adaay In Devon has had a wonderful year for Rod Millman after a series of good runs including taking Listed honours on her penultimate start. It will be interesting to see who takes the ride but she should give it a good go from the front. The selection, however, is HAYMAKER who finished a close-up third over this course and distance in a valuable handicap. He has since had a nice break which should put him firmly in the mix on Saturday.

2.10 – Shergar Cup Stayers (Handicap)

Samui looked a cut above his rivals when stepped up to the marathon distance last month when winning by an astonishing 17 lengths. A large rise in the weights is justified but he could still be better than these. GREAT BEDWYN has always shaped like a stayer and last week’s Goodwood performance proved just that after he flew home to only be denied by three-quarters of a length. He gets the nod for the Richard Hannon yard whilst Ranch Hand could run a nice race given the form of his last run has worked out extremely well.

2.45 – Shergar Cup Challenge (Handicap)

A wide-open renewal and William Haggas’ LA YAKEL can take this following a pleasing comeback run over course and distance in July. One of the only winners in this field over track and trip should see him in good stead and he was well fancied to take this race 12 months ago. Iron Lion has picked up two big pots already this season including at Ripon last time out. David O’Meara’s gelding will have to defy a career high mark, but his horse couldn’t be arriving in better form. The Goat could be the each-way play after finally getting his head in front on the turf last time out. He seems to have stamina in abundance so could put that to good use in this.

3.20 – Shergar Cup Sprint (Handicap)

Jarraaf comes from a yard in terrific form at the moment and Owen Burrows’ charge will be looking to replicate his winning performance over course and distance last time out. ELMONJED (NAP) looks to be a winner in waiting after knocking on the door in his last three starts. Albeit he was a beaten favourite in a mediocre Handicap at Windsor last time out, there were clear signs he is still learning on the job and this stiff test might bring the best out of him. Of the rest, Sergeant Wilko makes plenty of appeal as he goes in search of his fourth win this campaign. It’s a long way for Kevin Ryan to send his horse but his colt is in a rich vein of form at the moment so will be hopeful of another bold show.

3.55 – Shergar Cup Classic (Handicap)

GOODWOOD ODYSSEY can get back to winning ways after bouncing back to form in a tricky Newmarket handicap, last time out. He was extremely impressive at Haydock in April and there might still be improvement to come from his mark of 90. Solomon represents a powerful William Haggas yard who could saddle plenty of horses with chances this weekend and his charge in this fairly bolted up six days ago and manages to run off an unchanged mark. He will be dangerous, as will Walter Hartright who goes in search of a remarkable five-timer. His first success this year came off a mark of 60 and whilst he has proven he is more than capable of winning races; he is 25 pounds higher on Saturday than he was back in June so that is a slight worry.