Tip: Tuco Salamanca — best available price 5/1 at the time of writing
Where To Bet On This Race
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The Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Dash looks an intriguing 5f handicap, with several runners arriving in good form and a few potentially better suited by the drop in trip.
Tuco Salamanca gets the nod. The four-year-old has continued to progress this season, winning competitive 6f handicaps at Kempton and Newcastle. Those victories came in strong races, and although his two turf runs since haven't quite matched that level, there are reasons to expect a better performance here.
The key factor could be the return to 5f. Tuco Salamanca has yet to race over the minimum trip, but he is described as a strong traveller and possesses the tactical speed that could make him particularly effective in a race likely to be run at a good pace.
He has also run well at Ascot previously, which is another positive in what looks a competitive field.
Main Danger: All Ways Glamorous
All Ways Glamorous is impossible to dismiss after winning his last two starts, including over this C&D on good-to-firm ground.
He has risen another 5lb, but his improvement this season suggests there could still be more to come. His course-and-distance form is particularly appealing and he has already shown that he handles the unique demands of Ascot's sprint track.
If he finds another chunk of improvement, he could take plenty of stopping.
Value Angle: Kendall Roy
Kendall Roy makes plenty of appeal as a potential value alternative.
He ended last year with a 5f handicap win in Bahrain and has raised his game significantly on turf this summer. His Listed success at Cork over 5f was particularly noteworthy, while his latest third at Cork came without the cheekpieces that helped him win previously.
The return of those cheekpieces could be significant.
He also finished strongly from the far-side group last time, suggesting he retains plenty of ability from his current mark. At around the 7/1 mark in the early market, he looks an interesting runner for those seeking something at a bigger price than the principals.
Fandom Can Bounce Back
Fandom deserves consideration after finishing third over C&D last month.
He wasn't in the same form when tackling the Stewards' Cup last week, but that was a much more demanding assignment. Returning to these slightly calmer waters could see him bounce back, and his Ascot effort two starts ago puts him firmly in the picture.
Bolo Neighs Has More to Offer
Bolo Neighs has produced three good performances at Ascot this year, including a 6f victory in May.
He finished sixth behind All Ways Glamorous two weeks ago, but that was his first attempt at 5f since 2024. A clean break is important with him, but there is enough in his profile to suggest he can be competitive from this mark.
Verdict
Tuco Salamanca is the preferred selection. The drop to 5f could unlock another level of improvement from a horse who has already proved himself in competitive 6f handicaps this season.
All Ways Glamorous sets a strong standard following successive wins and has obvious course credentials, while Kendall Roy appeals as the value option if the returning cheekpieces have the desired effect.
Today's Selections
🏆 Best Bet: Tuco Salamanca — best available price 5/1 at the time of writing
⚔️ Main Danger: All Ways Glamorous
💰 Value Pick: Kendall Roy
Where To Bet On This Race
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Bet £10 Get £50 in Free Bets 18+. New customers only. Register, deposit with a Debit Card, and place a first bet of £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports, to be settled within 7 days, to get £30 in Sports Free Bets and £20 in Acca Free Bets within 24 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. Full T&Cs apply.
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Bet £10 Get £15 in Free Bets 18+. New customers only. T&Cs apply. The value of a free bet will not be included in any returns. Free bets cannot be exchanged for cash and are non-transferable. Free bets will expire 7 days after being credited if unused.
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Bet £10 Get £10 Free Bet 18+ New customers only. T&Cs apply. £10 in real money. Bets placed on sports at odds of 2.00 or more to qualify. Bets must be placed within 24 hours of registration. £10 free bets must be wagered on sports. Gambling can be addictive, play responsibly.