Freescape winning under the lights at Dundalk© Photo Healy Racing
Freescape is one of three Irish-trained runners at the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup meeting in Ascot this afternoon and trainer David Marnane is hopeful of a prominent showing.
The eight-year-old gelding has proved a grand servant to connections winning six times all on the polytrack at Dundalk but has also picked up prizemoney on his regular winter trips to Dubai.
The son of Cityscape is one of the outsiders in the mile handicap at 3.20pm but the Bansha trainer is looking forward to another good showing.
“He’s good on the all-weather and while he’s never won on a race on turf, he’s given us some great days out,” said Marnane.
“The race actually sets up for him in that he’s had a run on bottomless ground at Naas which he wouldn’t like but he’s had a good blow back from his holidays in Dubai.
“The ground is drying out but it will need to be as good as we can get it for him. All-weather horses have a good record in Ascot, it is a similar sandy surface so you never know.
“Matthew Chadwick rides him and he has a good record. He’d five rides at the Shergar Cup before when he had one winner and three seconds, so he knows the place.”
Jessica Harrington is doubly represented at Ascot by The Very Man, who will be ridden by Hollie Doyle in the Stayers Handicap (2.10), and topweight Satin the mount of Declan McDonogh in the 1m4f Classic Handicap at 3.55.
The Very Man looks set to go off favourite after running a cracker last time when runner-up to Teed Up in the valuable Connacht Hotel (Q.R.) Handicap at the Galway Festival.
The going is currently described as good on the straight course and good to soft, good in places, on the round course.
The forecast is mainly dry with the chance of an occasional light shower (1-2mm).
