ASCOT takes pride of place this afternoon on a day which would normally herald the Shergar Cup, but with travel restrictions it’s a card of “normal” racing and to my eyes the value wager of the day has to be SPIRITED GUEST in the finale five-furlong handicap at 4.45.

George Margerson’s charge is not especially well handicapped off a mark of 79: his last win came off a rating of 74, but given conditions on fast ground over the minimum trip he has room to improve.

In fact he has never had that combination before and this stiff five is better for him than six – a trip he may not get home over, especially on a track like Ascot.