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15:40 Newbury
The Group 1 Lockinge Stakes is part of the British Champions Series, the second of seven races over a mile, with the series concluding at Ascot with the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes in October.
Godophin have won this race four times in the last five years and rely on Dutch Connection in an attempt to keep their superb record going. That said, this could prove difficult as all his career victories have come in either Group 2 or Group 3 races over seven furlongs and nine previous attempts over a mile have yet to produce a trip to the winners’ enclosure.
Limato is another who has done all his winning over shorter distances, although unlike Dutch Connection this will be his first attempt over a mile. He has a fine record on turf, making the frame in fifteen from seventeen (winning seven) and has a good record when returning from a break. As a previous Group 1 winner he knows what it takes to win at the top and will be a danger to all if seeing out the extra furlong he encounters here.
Zabeel Prince steps up in class following an impressive victory at Listed level last time out and has won four from five over a mile trip so deserves to take his chance here. He has looked to be a horse capable of further improvement but with three of his four victories coming in soft ground the forecast conditions would have to be a concern and for that he is passed over today.
Aidan O’Brien saddles four runners, with Ryan Moore choosing multiple Group 1 winner Rhododendron over the remaining three. The four-year-old filly should be spot on for this race following a run in France last month and with both trip and conditions likely to suit she rates as the biggest danger to our selection.
Addeybb is unbeaten in four over a mile trip and was an impressive winner of the Bet365 Mile at Sandown last month, powering clear inside the final furlong to win by almost three lengths. Having already raced (and won) twice this season he should hold a fitness advantage over some of his key rivals and with both trainer and jockey continuing in good form he could prove tough to beat and as a result is our selection for todays’ feature ITV race.
Addeybb (WIN)
13:50 Newbury – Eqtidaar (WIN)
14:05 Newmarket – Old Persian (WIN)
14:20 Newbury – Second Step (WIN)
14:40 Newmarket – Purser (WIN) – NAP
15:00 Newbury – Chief Ironside (WIN)
15:15 Newmarket – Tricksy Spirit (WIN)
written by Dean KIlbryde