The Weekends Racing – by The Sportsman Racing

The Shergar Cup isn’t everyone’s idea of punting nirvana with teams competing against each other but a winner on the day pays the same as any other day and there are two horses I fancy on Saturday at Ascot. In the Stayers Handicap over 2 miles at 1.30 Western Prize is an amenable selection. Ralph Beckett’s gelding faced a monumental task when attempting to concede 16lb to David Simcock’s progressive Montaser two weeks ago but ran well to finish with the silver. A son of High Chaparral, Western Prize is closely related to 1 ½ m winner Stage Right and half-brother to smart 1 ½ m to 2m winner Gold Medallist. The marathon trip looks within his compass and there should be more in the locker of this sturdy four-year old. Lui Rei proved he is a decent horse in good form when finishing third in last Saturday’s Stewards Cup and holds every chance of going two places better in the Shergar Cup Dash at 2.05. Robert Cowell’s sprinter led the cavalry charge at Goodwood into the final furlong but just couldn’t hold on over the 6f trip. Dropping back to 5f should be right up his cul-de-sac and although his temperament is far from bomb-proof, provided he is in the same mood as seven days ago, he must be on the premises. Key Stats for Sweet Solera Stakes (Last 10 years) 10/10 Winners came from top three in betting. 10/10 All winners been 5-1 or shorter 7/10 Ran in a maiden last time out]]>