Joe McConnell
New Image, Silent Film and Bopedro headline the Shergar Mile in the Shergar Cup competition, while Miss Cynthia and Regal Connection compete for debutants at Lingfield.
4.30 Ascot – New image, silent film and Bopedro on the front page at Shergar Mile
New image, Silent film AND Bopedro Clash in the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Mile (4.30).
David O’Meara has a strong hand in this final with New Image favourite between his two runners. A heartbreaking second in the International Stakes at Ascot last month, he will be popular to go just 3lb higher in the weights.
Stablemate Bopedro often catches the eye with a late rumble. He did so at Goodwood last month when fifth, having lost 1lb in the weights, and should give another good account with Bauyrzhan Murzabayev in the pot.
Silent Film finished just behind Bopedro in the same Goodwood handicap and was unlucky in his run. This distance winner could bounce back.
1.35 Ascot – Apollo One and Adaay In Devon clash in Shergar Dash
Apollo One AND Adaay in Devon feature in the class Dubai Dash Duty Free Shergar Cup (1.35).
Apollo One is often the bridesmaid in the major handicap events and had to settle for second again in the Stewards Cup last weekend. The drop to a stiff 5f should be fine and he will be favourite to close again under Alberto Sanna.
Rod Milman’s Adaay In Devon is a tough filly who rarely runs a bad race and, considering her recent performance behind Flora Of Bermuda, must be considered a major threat.
Jim Goldie’s Jordan Electrics is looking for a five-time winner after winning his last four starts at Hamilton and completes the shortlist under the guidance of Rachel King.
5.45 Lingfield – Miss Cynthia and Regal Connection compete for victory
Miss Cynthia AND Royal Connection the strong girl contested in the Ian Heathcote Birthday Maiden Stakes (5.45).
Charlie Appleby’s Regal Connection cost £525k as a yearling and, having been gelded before his debut, finished third at Leicester before taking an excellent second at Doncaster. Sets the standard with promise of more to come under Dougie Costello.
Miss Cynthia has been frustrating to follow and Sir Mark Prescott tries to reach the visor as she tries to break her maiden on the 15th attempt. Ranked 94, she should win soon and must be respected under Luke Morris.
Of the others, Huxley’s Man makes his debut for Michael Attwater and could claim the best form for previous coach Donnacha O’Brien.
International action
The Saratoga Derby has Legend Of Time headlining for Charlie Appleby (8.20). Further up the card, Ottoman Fleet represents Appleby in the Group 1 Fourstardave Handicap (10.43). Del Mar also has White Sands represented.
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