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I HAVE to admit that this afternoon is arguably my least favourite big Saturday of racing of the flat season with the Shergar Cup at Ascot a nonentity in my eyes as a format of racing. You could also argue that it places the punter at an even greater disadvantage than normal with several jockeys riding at a track they are unfamiliar with. To my eyes, and I’m sure many of you may disagree, the team ethic in our sport is a complete load of cobblers with absolutely no loyalty from any fans, even more so than the Racing Series, and boy that is saying something!

However, the bottom line is, there are still races to be run and won and if I were to have one wager on the whole card, then it would come in the opening handicap sprint at 1.35 on EXISTENT. He has been running in races mainly over his head in the past 12 months including the Group Two Temple Stakes (running a fair fourth) and then ninth of 17 (beaten a shade over five lengths) in the Group One King’s Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot.

He was finally dropped to a more realistic level last time out on the opening day of the Glorious Goodwood, when second to course specialist Lord Riddiford after getting a far from clear run through the middle section of the race. Having been dropped a further 2lbs to a mark of 98, he has outstanding claims here especially as he will have at least some dig in the ground. A clear run this time around could see him reverse recent form at the track with Intrinsic Bond and Bond Chairman. In fact the biggest danger to the five-year-old could come from the relatively lightly raced three-year-old Michaela’s Boy trained by Mick Appleby.