Tip: Bullet Point — best available price 11/2 at the time of writing
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The Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Mile is another fiercely competitive handicap, but Bullet Point makes plenty of appeal with first-time cheekpieces potentially helping him rediscover his best form.
The William Haggas-trained gelding produced some excellent handicap performances last summer, finishing runner-up in both of his Ascot starts over the straight 1m before landing a valuable prize at York during the Ebor meeting.
He returns to Ascot from just 1lb higher than his last winning mark.
His two runs in May were underwhelming, but he has had time to recover and the introduction of cheekpieces could be significant.
He also has a particularly useful record at this distance, having won four of his eight starts over 1m, and today's straight course should suit based on his previous efforts here.
At around 11/2, he looks capable of bouncing back.
Main Danger: Ozat
Ozat heads the market and has some strong pieces of form despite uninspiring recent figures.
He ran well in the Royal Hunt Cup before encountering serious traffic problems in the Golden Mile at Goodwood just eight days ago.
That latest run can be safely overlooked, particularly given how little went right for him.
His weight is continuing to ease and Ryan Moore takes over in the saddle, making him a major player if enjoying a clearer passage.
Ebt's Guard Has Strong Course Form
Ebt's Guard won this race 12 months ago from a 5lb lower mark and has continued to run well in defeat since.
His fourth in the Royal Hunt Cup was particularly encouraging and he has plenty of good form to recommend him.
The main concern is that he is now considerably higher in the weights, but his consistency means he should again be competitive.
His record also includes four wins from 23 starts over the distance, while he has won twice at Ascot.
Two Tribes Needs To Prove His Stamina
Two Tribes was a major handicap winner at Ascot last summer before following up in the Stewards' Cup.
He produced another excellent effort here last month when second of 16, but his latest Stewards' Cup attempt was ruined by a stumble leaving the stalls.
That run is easily forgiven, although he now has to prove that he can see out this extra furlong.
He remains interesting if lasting home over 1m.
Cerulean Bay Is In Excellent Form
Cerulean Bay finished second in this race last year when rated 14lb lower and has earned his much higher mark since.
He won twice at Goodwood last autumn and produced a career-best RPR when runner-up in the 18-runner Golden Mile only eight days ago.
That is strong recent form and another big run looks likely.
The concern is simply whether the quick turnaround and his higher rating leave enough room for improvement.
Crown Board Is Another Solid Contender
Crown Board returned from the Middle East with two good efforts at Newmarket and Ascot.
He finished second over the straight 1m here in July, again on good to firm ground, and should be fully suited by today's conditions.
He lacks the obvious standout piece of form of some of these, but another competitive performance would not surprise.
Value Angle: Fondo Blanco
Fondo Blanco could be interesting at around 14/1.
He was progressive as a 3yo before finishing down the field in the Buckingham Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot, where his draw made life difficult.
He remains relatively unexposed over 1m and now wears a tongue-tie.
If the gelding can reproduce his better juvenile form, he has enough ability to outrun his odds.
Verdict
Bullet Point is the selection.
His previous Ascot form over this distance is a major positive and he returns from just 1lb above his last winning mark. The first-time cheekpieces provide an interesting change of equipment and could help him leave his two disappointing May efforts behind.
Ozat is the obvious danger after his troubled run at Goodwood, while Ebt's Guard and Cerulean Bay have plenty of solid form in the book.
Fondo Blanco is the one who could offer more at a bigger price.
Today's Selections
🏆 Best Bet: Bullet Point — best available price 11/2 at the time of writing
⚔️ Main Danger: Ozat
💰 Value Pick: Fondo Blanco
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.