Cairn Gorm primed to run big race in Shergar Cup finale says Channon

Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Sprint | 6f | 3yo | ITV4/SSR

A year ago Cairn Gorm was landing the biggest race of his short career when he came home in front in the Group 3 Prix de Cabourg at Deauville.

It was also his last victory, with sorties at Group 1 and 2 level proving just beyond him, leaving the three-year-old to try his luck in handicap company instead.

Cairn Gorm has continued to run with credit, including when a close fifth at 50-1 – and missing a front shoe – in a traditionally strong 6f handicap at the July meeting last month. It is form that suggests another victory is not too far away.

Popmaster and Royal Scimitar were just in front of Cairn Gorm at Newmarket, with the former since winning at Doncaster, which means this could be a closely run contest.

Aside from those three old rivals, the other prominent position in the market is held by Dream Composer, who has not looked back since being cannily purchased at the sales for 14,000gns by trainer James Evans.

Evans is having his best-ever season on the Flat with six winners, two of which have come via Dream Composer, who was also only narrowly beaten when fourth in the Palace of Holyroodhouse Stakes at Royal Ascot in June.

What they say

Jack Channon, son and assistant to Mick Channon, trainer of Cairn Gorm
He's been in great form all year starting off by running a cracker in the Cathedral Stakes on his comeback. He's in good form at home and everything points to him running a big race.

Clive Cox, trainer of Royal Scimitar
He ran admirably at Newmarket last time from what wasn't a favoured draw. We did consider seven furlongs but clearly he's happier over six. He'd appreciate less rain.

Ed Walker, trainer of Popmaster & Temple Bruer
Popmaster was in danger of being a bit disappointing but I’ve always thought he would get better with time and he’s proving that. It was good to see him go and win convincingly at Doncaster and he's been in good form since. Temple Bruer’s done well this year but is a bit quirky. He should have won last time at Ffos Las but chucked it away, but he’s on an upward curve.

James Evans, trainer of Dream Composer
He's kept on improving this year and we thought he was a bit unlucky when he was fourth at Royal Ascot last time. He'd take his chance on genuine good ground, but any rain is better. I think he has the right profile for the race.

William Muir, joint-trainer of Mitrosonfire
His last two runs at Newmarket have been good even though the races haven't been ideally run to suit him. He's in great form and I see no reason why he shouldn't go well in this.

If you want more on the weekend's action . . .

12.50 Ascot: Shergar Cup queen Hayley Turner aims to set winning Tone with familiar partner

1.25 Ascot: Rapid improver Call My Bluff bids for Stayers success under Mickaelle Michel

2.00 Ascot: Luck of the Irish? Three strong chances for Team Ireland in Shergar Challenge

2.35 Ascot: William Stone praying for rain as in-form trainer targets first Ascot winner

2.50 Newmarket: 'She's probably the one to beat' - which filly is fancied for the Sweet Solera?

3.10 Ascot: 'He's the pick of my rides' - leading lady Turner targeting more Shergar success

4.10 Haydock: The real deal? Rose Of Lancaster test for exciting Godolphin colt Real World

4.55 Cork: Thunder Kiss out to disrupt Weld and O'Brien dominance in Give Thanks Stakes

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