The Data Detective: clues and tips for Saturday
By Andy Stephens
Last Updated: Fri 7 Aug 2026
Archers Bay promises to relish stepping up in trip in the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Classic Handicap at Ascot today (3.55).
He has won two of his five races since joining Marco Botti from Aidan O'Brien, making quite an impression when snatching victory from the jaws of defeat over ten furlongs at Newmarket in May.
He produced a very fast final furlong of 12.35 seconds that day, leaving the impression the trip was a bare minimum.
Archers Bay backed that up on his next start by finishing third to Ancient Egypt on level weights back at Headquarters in Listed company. The winner has since gone close in Group 1 company.
Those efforts augur well and he could be a bigger price than he should be after subsequently failing to figure in the Italian Derby (heavy ground) or when fourth to Heraldry on Newmarket’s July Course. That latter race developed into a dash and did not play to his strengths.
Ryan Moore rides, which is a bonus.
Thunder Call appeals in the Dubai Duty Free Sprint Handicap (3.20.)
The Pinatubo colt, trained by William Haggas, has progressed well over six furlongs this season, finishing best when third at Newmarket last time. That form looks solid with the Time Index being 8.3 when the meeting average was 5.8.
He had previously scooped a good prize at York in May when he won in a time 1.32 seconds quicker than the RaceiQ Par.
At Redcar, make a note of Frankies Dream in the Marske Fabrications & Engineering Straight Mile Handicap (3.12).
The four-year-old has been frustrating to follow but had no chance when held up in a slow run race at Ascot on his latest start when the Time Index was just 1.1.
He’s had the best Finishing Speed Percentage in half of his past 24 races and near misses at Thirsk, Beverley and York this year show he’s weighted to win when everything drops right.
This is the lowest grade contest he has run in this year and he can take advantage.
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