William Hill ambassador Nick Luck previews Lockinge Day from Newbury, taking on Rosallion in the big one.
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Saturday, Newbury
EL CORDOBES might be ready for the rise in grade in the TV opener from Newbury on Lockinge Day (12.50). This is a tidy race, but neither King’s Gambit nor Al Easy are horses I like at short prices, while Sunway – who could yet become a top class performer – needed a good few runs to hit top gear last year.` `The selection ran into a very well treated and classy rival last time, yet beat him out of sight. So long as he can switch off early, he’ll be a danger to all.
HOLD A DREAM looks slightly overpriced in the Carnarvon Stakes (1.25). She did well at Chelmsford on her first try in this company, and the third has given the form a boost with an excellent run at York this week. She is drawn around the high numbered speed, and should get a nice draft into the race.
QUAI DE BETHUNE makes a little each way appeal in the London Gold Cup (2.00). He showed bags of promise on his debut last year (his only turf run), and has maintained a solid level since. First glance suggests diminishing returns on the all weather, but he’s crying out for this step up in trip, and may have been staying one step ahead of the handicapper by running over a mile.
NOTABLE SPEECH is the play in the Lockinge (2.35). He is rated the equal of Rosallion, has fewer issues to overcome, has a pedigree to suggest he can improve again on his top class three year old form, and has the ground to suit. He should be a shorter price.
Saturday, Newmarket
LEADMAN can take the first of three TV races from Newmarket (1.05). He’s not high mileage, and ran a race full of promise on his first go for this yard. He’s entitled to move forward, and looks to be potentially well ahead of this mark.
ORIGINAL OUTLAW should have some more to offer this season (1.40). He was knocking heads with some smart horses last year, only running poorly on his final start. His splitting of Mr Chaplin and Burhaan makes him look quite well handicapped, and this looks a nice departure point for a stable that is starting to roll.
MYTHICAL GUEST might ultimately want a bit further this season, but he can win at a mile (2.15). This is easier than the two races he’s run well in this season (including here), and conditions are entirely in his favour.
