Runner by runner A-Z guide and trends for Lockinge Stakes

ACLAIM 4 9-0 T: Martyn Meade, J: Jamie Spencer

Made marked progress in the second half of last season, stepping through the grades by adding Listed and Group Two prizes to an Ascot handicap success. Connections are confident there's more to come and no reason to think that's not the case but this does require another big leap forwards.

BRETON ROCK 7 9-0 T: David Simock, J: Andrea Atzeni

Grand campaigner who falls just below this level and has never won beyond seven furlongs. Underfoot conditions should suit but making up the numbers.

DUTCH CONNECTION 5 9-0 T: Charlie Hills, J: Adam Kirby

Non-runner

GALILEO GOLD 4 9-0 T: Hugo Palmer, J: Frankie Dettori

Winner of the 2000 Guineas and St James's Palace Stakes and drew 2-2 with Ribchester during a fantastic three-year-old campaign. On the losing end the last twice those two met - racing very keenly on both occasions - though, so has a little to prove against that rival on his seasonal reappearance for all that there's clearly very little between the pair at their best.

LIGHTNING SPEAR 6 9-0 T: David Simock, J: Oisin Murphy

Impressive winner of the Group Two Celebration Mile at Goodwood and stepped up on that on British Champion Day when third behind Minding and Ribchester, with Galileo Gold behind. Quite possible that he has more in the locker and trainer David Simock certainly believes that's the case and he's entitled to go close as things stand.

MITCHUM SWAGGER 5 9-0 T: David Lanigan, J: Tom Queally

Won his first two starts but without a win in nine efforts since, including four photo-finish defeats. Will enjoy getting his toe in, has the benefit of a run under his belt but no obvious chance of bridging the form divide with the principals.

RIBCHESTER 4 9-0 T: Richard Fahey, J: William Buick

Smart juvenile who developed into a top-class three-year-old, gaining a deserved Group One success in the Jacques le Marois. Proved that he'd trained on with a decent third in the Dubai Turf over nine furlongs where a combination of racing a shade keenly and the trip seemed to find him out. Everything set for a big run in this contest and he's the right favourite.

TOSCANINI 5 9-0 T: Richard Fahey, J: Paul Hanagan

Talented performer who has joined Richard Fahey to act as a pacemaker for stablemate Ribchester. Could hang in there for longer than some expect, but would obviously be a surprise winner.

SOMEHOW 4 8-11 T: Aidan O'Brien, J: Ryan Moore

Smart filly who was campaigned mainly over middle distances last season, contesting the English and Irish Oaks, before being dropped back in trip and grade towards the end of the campaign. She hasn't looked back since and brushed aside the opposition at Newmarket but she's swimming in much deeper waters back against the boys. Merits huge respect as the only representative of the powerful Aidan O'Brien stable and accordingly, no surprise if she proves up the task.

Key statistics from the last 10 renewals

* Winners have been aged four (8) and five (2).

* Winners have been priced between 2/7 and 8/1 with six successful favourites.

* Winners have had official ratings between 113 and 136 with six at 121+, including six of the last seven.

* Nine winners had either won or been placed in a Group One, the exception hadn't run at that level.

* Six winners were making their seasonal reappearance.

* Of the four exceptions, two finished in the first three, one fourth and the other down the field in Dubai.

* Only six winners finished in the first three on their preceding start.

Conclusion

A top-class renewal of this historic Group One with added spice as Galileo Gold and Ribchester renew their rivalry.

Fillies have a fair record with Red Evie, the dam of Found, successful in 2007, Integral a close fifth (albeit a beaten favourite) in 2015 and Euro Charline runner-up 12 months ago. 

All three of those runners already had top level form over a mile to their name, though, which is not the case with Somehow. She could step up but will have to do so in order to better Galileo Gold and Ribchester. 

The latter rates the clear pick with Galileo Gold having proved so unruly when last seen and any repeat of those antics will severely compromise his chance.