Atavus to miss Ascot

George Margarson`s Atavus is set to bypass a crack at the ILPH-sponsored Mile at the Blue Square Shergar Cup meeting at Ascot on Saturday, the trainer revealed today.

His four-year-old has been a real money-spinner in the last few months, claiming the Bunbury Cup at Newmarket, as well as the Tote International at the Berkshire track.

He also finished a good fourth in the William Hill Mile at Goodwood last week.

'He`s highly likely to miss the race,' said Margarson. 'I just feel it`s a bit soon for him. He doesn`t owe us anything and I think it`s the fairest thing for the horse - this would be his fourth hard race in a short space of time.

'He`s in super form but I think it`s asking too much.'

But Ben Hanbury`s Mugharreb does look set to take his chance in the feature Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Sprint - as long as the ground does not soften dramatically.

And Blue Square have today cut Hanbury`s lightly-raced colt to 4-1 second-favourite (from 9-2) behind Aidan O`Brien`s Minardi (5-2).

Mugharreb was thought good enough to tackle the Entenmann`s Irish 2000 Guineas earlier this season after slamming the very useful Askham by five lengths in a Newmarket maiden on his seasonal debut.

His last run saw him try six furlongs for the first time since his juvenile days with the son of Gone West finishing a fine second behind Invincible Spirit in a Listed race at Newbury, having been short of room at a crucial stage.