Lockinge Stakes S2 - 4, 18/05/2024, Saturday Post Time 22:35
1 |
Audience |
Some concerns about this first try at 1600m, for a gelding who looks like a 1400m specialist. Seasonal return but won a 1400m G3 from the front at Newmarket on his first 2023 start. |
2 |
Big Rock |
Rated the best miler in the world last year, with this 2024 return being for a different stable. Closed down 2023 with a super front-running 6L winning verdict in a 1600m Ascot G1. Good ground or slower would be ideal. |
3 |
Charyn |
A dominant winning Listed victory over Doncaster’s straight 1600m, confirming that he is an improved colt this year when quickening from off the pace to win a 1600m Sandown G2 in April. |
4 |
Dear My Friend |
Improved since being gelded, and very effective at around 1600m with three 2024 all-weather victories - the best at Lingfield in March. But a bitterly disappointing favourite in a Newcastle handicap. |
5 |
Flight Plan |
Mainly very worthy performances last year, doing best on his final start with a convincing front-running victory in a 1600m G2 at Leopardstown. A tough G1 ask on this return. |
6 |
Hi Royal |
His first two G1 assignments were very solid placed efforts, but three much less good G1 runs followed. After wind surgery he ran an encouraging third in a Newmarket G3 on his 2024 return. Others preferred. |
7 |
Poker Face |
All three 2023 wins came over this trip, including a comfortable G2 Longchamp victory. A fine second in first-time cheekpieces at Sandown last month. Good or slower ground preferred. |
8 |
Real World |
Well-travelled, his last ten starts having been outside the UK including a victory in Bahrain in March but not needing to be at his best to win that. This looks very challenging. |
9 |
Royal Scotsman |
Returns from a 333-day absence but has delivered some high-class performances after a break before. Disappointing on his last two 2023 starts so with something to prove. |
10 |
Witch Hunter |
Has won four of his 26 starts with his typically late closing tactics resulting in victory in a 1400m G2 here last August. Minor claims only but a strong gallop would help. |
11 |
Inspiral |
Absolutely brilliant on her day, boasting six G1 victories latterly when her terrific acceleration resulted in a 2000m G1 at Santa Anita last November. Missed this race last year due to a muscle problem but a very major player this year. |