The Shergar Cup is staged at Ascot today and, with live music after racing, a bumper crowd is assured. Some of the world's top jockeys are on show and Yutaka Take, a legend in his native Japan, captains the Rest of the World team and can make all the running on Strike Up The Band in the opening Barclays Shergar Cup Dash Handicap (1.10). Runner-up to Toms Laughter in a more competitive handicap over course and distance last time, he will be hard to catch in this smaller field.

The Titanic Quarter Shergar Cup Distaff Handicap (1.45) is the weakest race on the card and Steam Cuisine may be able to take advantage of a falling mark, while the progressive Shifting Star is up just 4lb for a recent win here and can get French ace Gerald Mossé off the mark.

The fact that late non-runners can be replaced up to 45 minutes before any of the races may ensure that all the jockeys get an equal number of rides, but it causes a headache for anyone wanting to place bets earlier as the shape of any race could change drastically - the two reserves in the Michael Page International Shergar Cup Challenge Handicap (3.30) could easily head the betting if they were to get a run. Assuming that they will be absent, this can go to Filios, who has a lengthy absence to overcome but has solid claims if in the same form that saw him chase home Heron Bay at last year's royal meeting.

Caracciola had no luck in running when fifth here last time and may take the Carvill Shergar Cup Stayers' Handicap (2.55), while Perfect Star shaped well on her reappearance when seventh at Goodwood and can complete a double for Mossé in the Les Ambassadeurs Club Shergar Cup Mile Handicap (4.05).

With the ground already on the easy side and plenty of rain forecast, conditions are sure to be testing at Haydock Park and that will be ideal for Zero Tolerance, who is strongly fancied to land the Racing UK Handicap (1.25). The winner of both previous starts here, he will be hard to pass if allowed to dominate in the early stages.

Smokey Oakey is another who loves soft ground and he can land the toteswinger Rose of Lancaster Stakes (2.35). Winner of the Lincoln Handicap in March, he made light of a rise in grade when beating Maraahel in the Brigadier Gerard Stakes at Sandown Park last time and, under similar conditions, can follow up.

The best bet of the day is Beautiful Lady in the Best Horse Racing Sky Channel 432 Handicap (4.45). She relished a step up in trip when leading close home to beat Amicable Terms at Thirsk last time and should improve again for this extra quarter mile.