Tip: Figjam — best available price 12/1 at the time of writing
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The Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Sprint looks a fascinating 6f handicap, with several lightly exposed three-year-olds bringing strong recent form to the table.
Figjam is the interesting alternative to the short-priced Thunder Call and gets the vote on her belated handicap debut.
She has only won once in nine starts, but that record doesn't tell the full story. She has repeatedly competed in demanding races and most recently finished close up in a Group 3 over 6f at York on good to firm ground.
That is particularly encouraging given today's conditions, and she now gets the chance to exploit what could be a workable handicap mark of 92.
She is taking a sizeable drop in class and, if translating that Group-level form to handicap company, she could prove considerably better than her current odds suggest.
Main Danger: Thunder Call
Thunder Call is clearly the one to beat on the bare form.
He bolted up in a 6f maiden at Kempton on his seasonal return before making a mockery of his opening handicap mark when beating 21 rivals at York.
His latest third at Newmarket was another strong effort in a valuable handicap, despite failing to justify favouritism. The ground was faster than anything he had previously encountered and he didn't appear entirely comfortable, so that run can be marked up.
He remains open to further improvement and would be a major player if handling today's good to firm conditions.
At around 13/8, however, he has little room for error.
Red Spells Danger Brings Solid Form
Red Spells Danger has been thriving since dropping to 6f.
He won at Ripon and Hamilton in May before holding his own in a succession of competitive sprint handicaps.
His latest efforts suggest he remains in good form and there is no obvious reason why he shouldn't be involved again.
He is more exposed than Figjam but has a very solid profile for this particular contest.
Cape Ashizuri Could Bounce Back
Cape Ashizuri has a little to prove after finishing behind Thunder Call at York, but that wasn't his only piece of form.
He won on his seasonal and handicap debut at Pontefract over 6f and remains relatively lightly raced.
A return to his best would put him firmly in the mix, particularly if the York run proves to have been an aberration.
Havana Hurricane Interesting Back At 6f
Havana Hurricane has some excellent juvenile form, most notably his Windsor Castle success over 5f at this course.
He also showed enough in Group 2 company to suggest that his current mark of 97 may underestimate him.
The gelding operation since his latest start is another interesting variable, while the return to 6f could suit.
His recent form hasn't been spectacular, but this is a horse with considerably more ability than his current price might imply.
May Angel Is One For The Shortlist
May Angel has been unplaced in two attempts at sprinting this summer, but neither effort was particularly poor.
He could have a bigger run in him and represents an interesting option for those looking beyond the obvious contenders.
The question is whether he can find the improvement required to beat several rivals with stronger recent sprint form.
Verdict
Figjam looks worth taking a chance on in a competitive Shergar Cup Sprint.
Her one win from nine starts doesn't accurately reflect the level of opposition she has faced, and her latest close-up Group 3 effort at York reads particularly well in the context of this handicap.
The switch to handicap company could unlock significant improvement.
Thunder Call is the obvious danger and sets a strong standard, while Red Spells Danger brings highly reliable 6f form. Cape Ashizuri and Havana Hurricane are also capable of getting involved.
Today's Selections
🏆 Best Bet: Figjam — best available price 12/1 at the time of writing
⚔️ Main Danger: Thunder Call
💰 Value Pick: Havana Hurricane
Where To Bet On This Race
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