Tip: Mountain Road — best available price 12/1 at the time of writing
Where To Bet On This Race
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The Shergar Cup Stayers is a competitive 2m handicap, but Mountain Road makes plenty of appeal at the prices after an impressive return to form at Thirsk.
The seven-year-old came from a long way off the pace to win over 2m on good ground 69 days ago, showing a powerful turn of foot to sweep through the field and get up convincingly.
That performance suggested he remains capable of winning from his current mark, despite a 4lb rise.
The return from a break isn't a concern, with his yard going well, and the good-to-firm ground should be fine. He has already shown he can operate effectively at this sort of trip and today's race could provide the pace he needs to produce another strong finishing effort.
At around 12/1, he looks an appealing runner for those looking beyond the shorter-priced favourites.
Main Danger: Shrimp Shady
Shrimp Shady is understandably prominent in the market following successive wins.
He landed the valuable 17-runner Chester Plate over 2m2f in May before following up at Newbury over 2m on good to firm.
The latest victory required plenty of hard work, but he travelled strongly deep into the race and showed a good attitude when it mattered. A 3lb rise doesn't look excessive and, with relatively little racing under his belt, further improvement cannot be ruled out.
Ryan Moore is another obvious positive.
Dancing In Paris Has Strong Course Form
Dancing In Paris could be one to keep firmly onside.
He finished third in a 1m4f handicap at this meeting two years ago and took a step back in the right direction when fifth over the same trip here 15 days ago.
Importantly, he has some useful form at 2m, so the extra distance shouldn't be an issue. If building on his latest effort, he has the ability to get involved at a price around 6/1.
Hermetic Faces a Ground Question
Hermetic is another obvious contender on his French form and has already won over both 1m4f and 2m.
He ran well in the consolation race for the Northumberland Plate last time, finishing fourth of 20, but today's quicker ground introduces an element of uncertainty. He was previously withdrawn because of fast conditions, so this is a key factor to consider.
His ability puts him in the mix, but the surface is enough to temper enthusiasm.
Marnier Could Improve Again
Marnier arrives on the back of his first turf success, winning over 1m6f at Sandown last month.
He stayed on strongly to lead late and has subsequently changed hands for £77,000. The step up to 2m is interesting and he could have more to offer, particularly as good-to-firm ground shouldn't be a problem.
He's another at a double-figure price who could outrun his odds.
Verdict
Mountain Road gets the vote following his eye-catching Thirsk success. His ability to come from well off the pace could be particularly useful here, and the 2m trip and ground should be suitable.
Shrimp Shady is the obvious danger after two wins this season, while Dancing In Paris is interesting on his course record and return to form.
For a bigger-priced alternative, Marnier is worth keeping in mind after his Sandown victory and subsequent purchase.
Today's Selections
🏆 Best Bet: Mountain Road — best available price 12/1 at the time of writing
⚔️ Main Danger: Shrimp Shady
💰 Value Pick: Marnier
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.