Friday 07 August 2026 6:47 pm
| Updated:
Friday 07 August 2026 6:48 pm
Thunder Call (blue silks) finished third at Newmarket on his last start
SATURDAY’s Shergar Cup Sprint (3.20pm) looks set to be one of the highlights of the card, with a competitive field lining up over six furlongs at Ascot.Favourite THUNDER CALL brings the strongest form into the contest and looks difficult to oppose.William Haggas’ colt has done little wrong this season, making a winning return with a commanding six-length success in a Kempton maiden before following up with another impressive display in a valuable York handicap.That latest victory was particularly eye-catching, with Thunder Call getting the better of RED SPELLS DANGER, who renews rivalry here.He looks like a progressive sprinter heading in the right direction, and another step forward could see him prove difficult to beat, so he’s the play in the World Pool Win market.Red Spells Danger is the more experienced of the pair and arrives with plenty of solid form to his name.Tim Easterby’s son of Cotai Glory looked as though he may need further earlier in his career, but the return to six furlongs has brought out the best in him.He won his first two starts over this trip at Ripon and Hamilton and has continued to perform with great credit in stronger company, including at Newmarket and York.A return to Ascot should see him competitive once again.Eve Johnson Houghton’s HAVANA HURRICANE announced himself as a two-year-old to follow when landing the Listed Windsor Castle Stakes at Royal Ascot.His campaign since has switched between five and six furlongs, with his last two starts coming over the shorter trip, but a return to this distance looks a positive move.He also arrives having been gelded since his latest run, and that procedure could unlock further improvement.With Thunder Call, Red Spells Danger and Havana Hurricane all bringing strong profiles to the table, a World Pool Quinella (first two finishers in any order) involving the trio could be an appealing angle.POINTERS SATURDAYThunder Call (Win and Place) 3.20pm AscotThunder Call, Red Spells Danger, Havanna Hurricane (Quinella) 3.20pm Ascot
