Megan Nicholls Racing Preview: Ascot and Haydock

BetMGM ambassador Megan Nicholls gives her thoughts on the horse racing world, bringing her insightful opinions and first-rate knowledge exclusively to our blog every week.

This time the former jockey, now a celebrated TV pundit, previews an exciting weekend of racing at Ascot and Haydock.

Some of the races in her sights include the Shergar Cup Dash and the Shergar Cup Stayers.

Saturday Racing Tips

Ascot 1.35 – Shergar Cup Dash

I am going to go with Adaay In Devon (4/1 fav) here.

She is back into a handicap after running a huge race at York in a Group 3 last time out.

There is an issue with her being back to five furlongs but she’s consistent and ground and track versatile so there’s not a lot you can knock her for. I think she can run very well once again.

Japanese jockey Nanako Fujita is on board – she ran in the Shergar Cup back in 2019 so she has got experience at Ascot. Adaay In Devon can get her off the mark nice and early.

Megan’s Selection: Adaay In Devon WIN

Ascot 2.10 – Shergar Cup Stayers

I’m hoping Samui (15/8 fav) gets in here, because I have questions over one or two running with the ground being quick.

If Samui does run I think he will be hard to beat despite having a big weight on his back. He's been very solid over hurdles and his Flat efforts have probably been better than what we have seen from him over jumps.

He absolutely hacked up at Killarney last time and he's the unexposed runner who could be a big improver. It wouldn't be a surprise to see him up in some better races at some point.

Megan’s Selection: Samui WIN

Haydock 2.25 – The Classic Bookmaker Handicap

I am going to go Kilt (4/1 fav), who ran a very tidy race in a novice contest at Newmarket last time.

He won the start before, also at Newmarket, but his third start was a very good race and there have been loads of winners coming out of it.

Kilt has been gelded since then and he'll have learned plenty at Newmarket. He runs in a handicap for the first time and gets a bit of allowance being a three-year-old.

I think he’s a big improver here. He's nicely drawn and jockey Tom Marquand can keep it nice and simple.

Megan’s Selection: Kilt

Ascot 2.45 – Shergar Cup Challenge Handicap

I'm with Insanity (4/1), who has run two good races back on the Flat.

He has yet to run on a surface as fast as this so that's a bit of a question mark but I can't see why he won't handle it.

Insanity goes well at the track having run well in defeat over course and distance last time. That was a decent effort and a repeat run would see him very competitive, particularly as this is probably a weaker race than that one. He looks a pretty straightforward type and the fact Rachel King, one of the top jockeys in Australia having won five Group 1s, is on board is only a plus to his chances.

Megan’s Selection: Insanity WIN

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Odds correct at time of publication but subject to fluctuation