Saturday’s Shergar Cup Sprint at Ascot shapes up as one of the most compelling races on the card, with the six-furlong contest attracting a strong and progressive field.
Thunder Call enters the race as the clear favourite, bringing the most impressive form credentials of any runner in the contest.
The William Haggas-trained colt has done little wrong this season, opening his account with a commanding six-length victory in a Kempton maiden on his return.
He followed that performance with another eye-catching display when winning a valuable handicap at York, further cementing his status as a rising force in sprint racing.
That York victory came at the expense of Red Spells Danger, who now renews rivalry with Thunder Call over the same six-furlong trip at Ascot.
Thunder Call looks like a progressive sprinter heading in the right direction, and another step forward could see him prove very difficult to beat in Saturday’s World Pool Win market.
Red Spells Danger arrives as the more experienced of the two, boasting a solid and consistent record built across some of Britain’s most respected tracks.
Tim Easterby’s son of Cotai Glory appeared to want further earlier in his career, but a return to six furlongs has clearly brought out the very best in him.
He won his first two starts over this trip at Ripon and Hamilton before continuing to perform with great credit at Newmarket and York in stronger company.
Eve Johnson Houghton’s Havana Hurricane adds another intriguing dimension to the race, having announced himself as a juvenile to follow when landing the Listed Windsor Castle Stakes at Royal Ascot.
His campaign since that juvenile victory has alternated between five and six furlongs, with his last two outings coming over the shorter five-furlong trip.
A step back up to six furlongs looks a positive switch for Havana Hurricane, and connections will be hopeful the extra distance brings further improvement.
He also arrives having been gelded since his most recent run, a procedure that could unlock additional progress and give him an edge over his rivals.
With Thunder Call, Red Spells Danger and Havana Hurricane all presenting strong form profiles, a World Pool Quinella covering the trio makes for a highly appealing betting angle at Ascot on Saturday.