Rhododendron
Rhododendron

Rhododendron and Limato among entries for Lockinge


Rhododendron and Limato are two of the star names among 31 entries for the Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes at Newbury on May 19.

With a total prize fund of £350,000 up for grabs, this year will mark the 60th running of the straight-mile Group One and another fantastic renewal looks in store.

The Aidan O'Brien-trained Rhododendron was runner-up in the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket and the Investec Oaks at Epsom last season, but enjoyed her day in the sun when claiming the Prix de l'Opera at Chantilly in October.

She has not been seen in competitive action since filling the runner-up spot at the Breeders' Cup and could return to France to make her reappearance in the Prix Ganay.

O'Brien has five Lockinge contenders in all, with Deauville, Lancaster Bomber, War Decree and War Secretary completing the Ballydoyle quintet.

Henry Candy's dual Group One winner Limato could only finish fourth when favourite for the 2016 Lockinge, but will be a major contender if returning for a second attempt, having rediscovered his best form when dominating his rivals in the Challenge Stakes at Newmarket last autumn.

Limato cruises clear at Newmarket
Limato cruises clear at Newmarket

Godolphin has claimed a record eight runnings of the Lockinge, including each of the last three with Night Of Thunder (2015), Belardo (2016) and Ribchester (2017).

This year Sheikh Mohammed's operation could be represented by Andre Fabre's pair of Inns Of Court and Jimmy Two Times, as well as Laugh Aloud (John Gosden) and Dutch Connection (Charlie Hills).

Dean Ivory has given his stable star Librisa Breeze an entry after his ninth place in the Al Quoz Sprint at Meydan last Saturday.

Ivory said: "Librisa Breeze has travelled back home from Dubai well, although he is obviously a bit tired. The trouble he had out in Dubai was that the ground was very fast and it was also very hot there as well.

"We have given him an entry in the Lockinge and we will see how we are with him nearer the time. He is a versatile horse and running him over six, seven or a mile doesn't bother me. I'm quite relaxed about stepping him up to a mile. We have six weeks before Newbury, so we will have a look and see how he gets on in the meantime."

Andrew Balding has Here Comes When and Beat The Bank in contention.

Other contenders include the runaway Lincoln winner Addeybb (William Haggas), Doncaster Mile victor Zabeel Prince (Roger Varian) and and Stormy Antarctic (Ed Walker), who made all to win a Group Three at Saint-Cloud on Easter Monday.

Related links

Like what you've read?

Next Off

Sporting Life
My Stable
Follow and track your favourite Horses, Jockeys and Trainers. Never miss a race with automated alerts.
Access to exclusive features all for FREE - No monthly subscription fee
Click HERE for more information

Most Followed

MOST READ RACING

We are committed to Safer Gambling and have a number of self-help tools to help you manage your gambling. We also work with a number of independent charitable organisations who can offer help and answers any questions you may have.
Gamble Aware LogoGamble Helpline LogoGamstop LogoGordon Moody LogoSafer Gambling Standard LogoGamban Logo18+ LogoTake Time To Think Logo