The Shergar Cup has survived a surprisingly long time. It was first contested in 1999 at Goodwood and move to Ascot the following year where it has remained. Whilst the idea of attracting jockeys from around the world may have had a novelty appeal back then, it is hardly a factor these days. That being said, it does fill a bit of a void in the racing calendar between Goodwood and York.
I’ve studied the form of the six races and come up with some selections that will hopefully bring us a return. On first glance, Olivier Peslier and Frankie Dettori seem to have benefitted most from the draw and should be among the winners. That should mean back-to-back victories for Europe if you’re contemplating betting on that particular market.
The opening “Dash” looks particularly tricky with Goldream the logical form choice. If the weather is the same down south as it is up here in Scotland, there should be some ease by tomorrow and that could change the complexion of the race. Peslier’s mount, Move In Time, handles softer ground and is my tentative selection.
The Frenchman is aboard Hassle in the Stayers race at 1.30 and this one ran well, although no match for Maid In Rio last time. He doesn’t find a lot off the bridle so could still be handicapped to go well and any overnight rain won’t bother him.
Dettori can claim the next aboard Grandorio who ran well at York, just going down in a three-way photo. He raced wide of his rivals and can be considered a little unlucky. Communicator should also run well for Europe but may find this trip on the sharp side.
Magic City ran a stormer in the Betfred Mile at Goodwood and would have won in another few strides. He is something of a Goodwood specialist but there seems no reason why he cannot perform well here and he is just preferred to Dark Emerald.
Dettori will fancy his chances on top weight Wrangler in the next. He was not quite as impressive as I’d expected at Haydock last time and he needs the rain to arrive. Trip To Paris won well here last time and I shall take a chance on his South African pilot doing the steering. The last race is Europe’s weakest link and I think this could go to the ROTW skipper Craig Williams aboard Remember. It’s a close call between that one and Golden Steps on Newmarket form.
Tips
Move In Time 12.55 at 11-2 Bet365
Hassle 1.30 at 5-1 Bet365
Grandorio 2.05 at 6-1 Coral
Magic City 2.40 at 4-1 Coral
Trip To Paris 3.15 at 6-1 Stan James
Remember 3.50 at 7-1 Ladbrokes
Specials
Europe to win @2-1 Betfair
Top jockey Olivier Peslier @6-1 BetVictor
