Saturday 8th August 2026
I’ve come down on four selections on Saturday, a couple from both Ascot and Haydock, and the first comes within the 1.35 at Ascot, which is the Shergar Cup Dash. I think that SPARTAN ARROW could be worth taking a chance on here for Archie Watson and Ryan Moore. His last two victories have come within Group 3 and Listed company, and he’s gradually been edging down the weights since returning to the track this term within handicaps. He’s also been given a break since finishing seventh at Goodwood in May, and he’ll contest this particular contest off a two-pound lower mark than when half a length second of nineteen in the Epsom Dash last June. If he gets some luck in the run, he could have a big say in this. Next on the list would be All Ways Glamorous for Christopher Mason, who comes into the contest having won his last two starts, including over course and distance last time out.
Selection: Spartan Arrow – (8/1) (Each-Way) – (1.35 Ascot)
Shortlist: All Ways Glamorous (7/1) – (1.35 Ascot)
My second bet of the day on Saturday comes in the 2.10 at Ascot, and this is the Shergar Cup Stayers, which is contested over two miles. I like the progressive SHRIMP SHADY here, who currently heads the betting for Andrew Balding, as he is another one who’s to be ridden by Ryan Moore. He’s been highly progressive this term, winning three times, including two of his last three starts, with both wins coming in Class 2 company at Chester and Newbury. He’s up just three pounds following his tough success at Newbury last time out, and he could still have more to offer. The Balding yard has had success in this race in recent times, and won it as recently as 2024 with Ranch Hand. Hermetic could be one to keep an eye on here for Ian Williams; he posted an excellent effort when fourth in the Northumberland Vase last time out, and is a player off the same mark here.
Selection: Shrimp Shady – (10/3) (Win) – (2.10 Ascot)
Shortlist: Hermetic – (8/1) – (2.10 Ascot)
I head over to Haydock for my third bet of the day, and I turn my attention to the 2.25, the Group 3 Rose Of Lancaster Stakes over a mile and two furlongs. I really like SALLAAL here for Roger Varian and Ray Dawson. He’s got a striking pedigree and has markedly progressed this term, winning a competitive handicap on Oaks Day at Epsom in bloodless fashion before taking the step up with a Listed success last time out at Sandown. He looks well worth this further step up to Group 3 company, and I think we may well see a bold performance. John & Thady Gosden’s Nahraan is expected to take a big step forward from his seasonal reappearance in the Wolferton Stakes at Ascot last month, as he was a progressive type himself last term.
Selection: Sallaal – (10/11) (Win) (NB) – (2.25 Haydock)
Shortlist: Nahraan (3/1) – (2.25 Haydock)
My fourth and final bet on Saturday also comes from Haydock, and the 3.00, which is the Listed Dick Hern Stakes over a mile. I’m very strong on FALLEN ANGEL here for Karl Burke and James Doyle. She’s short in the betting here; however, she should arguably be even shorter in my opinion. She was a three-time Group 1 winner last term, and evidently needed the run at York last time out, where she wasn’t able to capitalise from the front. She should be a lot more tuned up for this particular assignment, and if she’s anywhere near her best, she should take a lot of stopping. Pacific Mission could take another step forward for Andrew Balding and Colin Keane; she won at the Breeders’ Cup last term, and progressed from her seasonal reappearance to finish third in Group 3 company at Epsom last time out.
Selection: Fallen Angel – (8/11) (Win) (NAP) – (3.00 Haydock)
Shortlist: Pacific Mission – (9/1) – (3.00 Haydock)
