Gr.1 Lockinge Stakes day is the richest day for Newbury Racecourse, usually attracting top 4YOs. The 2018 edition does not feature any of last year’s winners, giving newcomers a wide berth. Leading horses from Lockinge Stakes often go on to compete in the Queen Anne Stakes (Royal Ascot). Ribchester won both the Lockinge Stakes (2017) and the Queen Anne Stakes (2017) leaving a great legacy for the 2018 winner to follow.
The 2018 edition has attracted the attention of dual group one winner Limato, who hopes that his third attempt at this event will be the charmer. The Henry Candy be a trained six year old finished fourth behind Belardo in the 2016 renewal of the Lockinge Stakes and sixth in that year’s Breeders’ Cup Mile at Santa Anita (USA).
Addeybb is certainly a formidable threat to Candy’s plans for Limato. The four year old has won both his starts this season in the Lincoln Handicap at Doncaster and the Mile at Sandown where he was considered by some to be ‘a fast developing force’. The ground which seems more suited to Limato’s pace could be the only hurdle for the Jebel Ali Racing Stables owned colt.
Beat the Bank follows Addeybb’s fit form having won five of his seven starts in 2017. Although he was unplaced in his last start, the QEII Stakes at Ascot he is top of the favourites for his first start this season.
The Master of Ballydoyle is set to run Lancaster Bomber and Rhododendron. The latter finished the 2017 season in-style, winning the Prix de l’Opera at Chantilly before landing a good second behind Wuheida in the Gr.1 Breeders Cup Filly & Mare Turf. The change in distance should suit the Galileo filly.
The War Front colt ran second behind World Approval in the Gr.1 Breeders’ Cup Mile (2017) but disappointed in his last start at Meydan on Dubai World Cup night. However this is a season and current suggests that he should land the Superfecta at least.
Click here To Watch The2017 Al ShaqabLockinge Stakes (won by Ribchester) -
Distance 1 mile (1,609 metres), Surface Turf,Track Straight, Qualification Four-years-old and up, Weight 9 st 0 lb, Allowances, 3 lb for fillies and mares, Purse £350,000 (2017)
Credit: Pallavi Shevade pallavi.shevade@secretaristworld.com