The top jockeys in the world assemble at Ascot for the Shergar Cup and the luck of the draw comes into play when certain riders are assigned to their mounts through a free draw, which makes punting even more than normal a hazardous occupation.

It’s not a meeting I play big in, but I have to say I will be having a wager on Ebor entry Hassle in the two mile event at 1.30. 

Last time out, the Clive Cox runner had no chance with the front running Maid in Rio here after being anchored at the back of the pack in a moderately run race. 

The winner had all but flown when Adam Kirby made his move and a distant second was all the partnership could garner. 

A 3lbs rise in the handicap looks a shade severe especially as his conqueror failed at Goodwood last time out, but that is compensated by the step up in distance and the fact that the incomparable Olivier Peslier will be on board.

The rest of the Ascot card barely interests me from a punting perspective, but I will be having at least two wagers at Haydock Park courtesy of Elhaame in the big mile and a quarter handicap at 2.20 and Championship in the three-year-old mile handicap due off at 4.00.

The former has been far from disgraced on his last four starts over a mile and a half, his best run coming when fourth in a heritage handicap at Ascot in September. 

However, a good test at 10 furlongs probably suits this son of Acclamation even better and he can take aim off a fast pace and see off the likes of Rye House and Groundbreaking.

Championship had a terrible run through his last contest at Glorious Goodwood last week and rates much better than that performance suggests. Having to race wide all the way and basically outpaced coming down the hill the Richard Hannon trained runner ran on nicely in the closing stages under considerate handling to finish eighth and this extra furlong should do the trick.

Elsewhere, I have a sneaky suspicion that District Attorney could pop up at a nice price in the extended mile and three quarters handicap at Redcar at 5.30.

In this lowly grade, the five-year-old will at least gallop to the bitter end and to my mind a mile and a half (twice) and then last time out, 10 furlongs, has been way too short a test on his last three starts. 

Earlier on, I fancy a big run at an each-way price from Lilac Lace in the 3.55, while the best bet at Newmarket could come in the form of the William Haggas-trained Purple Spectrum in the finale at 5.15. The big galloping sort impressed at Sandown Park last time out and can follow up here under an 8lbs penalty.