Kate Tracey, Sam Boswell and Jamie Lynch reunite for a live segment on Sky Sports Racing to dissect the most promising betting strategies for the upcoming Shergar Cup Sprint at Ascot this Saturday. The trio will weigh the merits of the market leader, Thunder Call, against several other contenders they believe could upset the odds. Thunder Call currently commands the top spot in the betting market. The three‑year‑old sprinter fell short of a hat‑trick in his most recent outing, a fiercely contested handicap at Newmarket where he was forced to concede ground after a tough run.
Despite that setback, the horse remains the focal point for many punters, but all three analysts are keen to challenge the William Haggas‑trained sprinter’s dominance. Senior form analyst Jamie Lynch offers a detailed look at one of the race’s most intriguing prospects, Havana Hurricane.
"The quick‑going conditions at Ascot should suit Havana Hurricane, who is trained by the respected Eve Johnson Houghton. The filly has stretched out to six furlongs in her last five runs and this will be only her third start in a handicap.
She performed admirably last season, capturing the Windsor Castle Stakes, and her form suggests she can handle the step up in trip. "The key to success for Havana Hurricane lies in a patient ride.
The last five winners of the Shergar Cup Sprint have all come from off the pace, settling behind the leaders before making a decisive move in the final furlong. Havana Hurricane possesses the stamina to settle and then accelerate, making her an excellent each‑way candidate." Lynch also highlights Figjam, a filly who showed promise at Doncaster last year when she finished second in a highly competitive handicap.
"Figjam was thrust into a tougher race at the Firth of Clyde and managed a respectable fourth place. This will be her debut in a handicap at Ascot, and while her rating might appear slightly inflated, she remains relatively untested at this level. Her trainer, Katie Scott, has a strong record with sprinting mares this season, and I believe Figjam is undervalued and could be a real surprise factor." Turning to BetVictor’s Sam Boswell, he takes a contrarian stance by backing Cape Ashizuri, a horse trained by John and Sean Quinn that currently sits as the race favorite.
"Cape Ashizuri has been thrown into some challenging company early in his career. He contested the Champagne Stakes on his second start, finishing last, but his connections still saw enough potential to step him up to a Group Two race shortly thereafter. He later faced Saber Strike—a quality opponent—in a large‑field handicap at York, where he underperformed.
"That was only his fifth start overall, and I think the experience gained from those tough races will serve him well now. Moreover, he’ll be ridden by Dylan Browne McMonagle for the first time; McMonagle is one of the top jockeys in the Shergar Cup and his tactical acumen could make a huge difference. The ground at Ascot is expected to be firm, which should suit Cape Ashizuri’s running style, and I view him as a strong bet despite the current market sentiment." The panel also touches on broader race dynamics. They note that the Shergar Cup Sprint often produces unpredictable results because the field is composed of international contenders with varying levels of experience on the Ascot straight.
The fast pace set by the front‑runners can create a perfect scenario for horses that are held up and make a late surge, a pattern evident in recent editions of the event. In addition, the experts discuss the impact of jockey selections. While seasoned riders like McMonagle bring tactical expertise, the presence of less familiar jockeys on some of the younger horses could lead to misjudged timing, offering value to bettors who can spot those opportunities.
Overall, the conversation emphasizes the importance of looking beyond the market favorite. Thunder Call remains a strong contender, but horses like Havana Hurricane, Figjam and Cape Ashizuri each present compelling arguments based on form, trainer reputation, and race conditions. Punters are encouraged to consider each‑way bets and to weigh the potential of late‑run horses that have historically excelled in the Shergar Cup Sprint’s unique sprint‑handicap format. For the latest updates, interviews, and in‑depth features on horse racing, stay tuned to Sky Sports Racing.