Tip: Hoseki — best available price 7/4 at the time of writing
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The Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Classic is a competitive 1m4f handicap, but Hoseki arrives with a particularly strong profile and can continue her excellent run of form.
The William Haggas-trained filly has won her last three starts, completing the hat-trick over this C&D a month ago.
That latest victory came by the narrowest of margins, but the runner-up was an improving horse and the pair pulled clear of the remainder. Hoseki also had to overcome a steady pace, which arguably makes the performance more meritorious.
She is now only 3lb higher and remains relatively lightly raced, leaving plenty of scope for further improvement.
The stable has an excellent recent record in this race, having won two of the last four renewals, while Saffie Osborne takes over in the saddle.
Her course-and-distance record now stands at a perfect 2-2, and she looks well suited by the conditions.
Main Danger: Archers Bay
Archers Bay is the obvious danger at the top of the weights.
He has progressed this season, with his only real blip coming when tackling heavy ground in the Italian Derby.
His latest fourth at Newmarket needs forgiving to some extent after he was caught in a race that didn't unfold ideally over 1m2f. He remains relatively unexposed and the return to 1m4f could bring about further improvement.
The booking of Ryan Moore catches the eye and he has the ability to make this considerably tougher for Hoseki.
Pierre Grosse Has Solid Claims
Pierre Grosse has finished runner-up in both of his handicap starts and was beaten only narrowly in a 1m4f maiden at the Curragh last time.
That latest effort came on good to firm ground, so today's conditions should hold no fears.
He isn't obviously progressive, but his consistency makes him an interesting contender, while first-time cheekpieces could help him find the extra bit required.
The Harrington yard also has a good record when bringing horses to Ascot.
Level Look Is Interesting At A Price
Level Look could be the one to catch the eye among the bigger-priced runners.
He was a 1m2f winner on the AW last year and appeared to need his comeback run before producing a much better effort at Chester last week.
That came over 1m4f, when he conceded a head start to an in-form filly and still went close.
He has another piece of form that suggests today's distance should suit, and Andrew Balding's strong record at this meeting adds to his appeal.
At around 12/1, he could be worth keeping onside.
King Of Berkshire Needs To Improve
King Of Berkshire has already won twice this season, including over today's distance at Thirsk.
Those victories came from the front, but his last two defeats suggest that his improvement may have levelled off.
He was tried over 1m6f on both occasions, so today's return to 1m4f could help, but he probably needs to produce another career-best performance to trouble the principals.
Blue Hercules Remains Unexposed
Blue Hercules has yet to win but bounced back from a heavy defeat at Royal Ascot to finish close over C&D last month.
That effort came on good to firm ground and suggested there is still plenty of ability to work with.
He has only gone up 2lb and remains relatively unexposed, although his lack of a win leaves him with something to prove in a competitive Class 3.
Verdict
Hoseki looks the one to beat after completing her C&D hat-trick last month.
The narrow winning margin shouldn't be viewed negatively, particularly given the steady pace and the fact that she pulled clear with an improving runner-up.
She remains lightly raced, is only 3lb higher and has already demonstrated that today's course and distance suit perfectly.
Archers Bay is the principal threat with Ryan Moore booked, while Pierre Grosse brings reliable recent form. Level Look is an interesting bigger-priced alternative following his improved Chester effort.
Today's Selections
🏆 Best Bet: Hoseki — best available price 7/4 at the time of writing
⚔️ Main Danger: Archers Bay
💰 Value Pick: Level Look
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.