15:35 Newbury

Saturday 20 May 2023

All13:5014:2515:0015:3516:1016:4517:18

Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions Series) (Str)

Off time: 15:38 | Winning time: 1m 36.09s

(7)

Berkshire Shadow⁴³

Age: 4| Weight: 9-2| J: Oisin Murphy| T: A M Balding| OR: 111| C| D

33/1

Smart performer who made it 2 from 2 on the AW this year in valuable event at Newcastle 6 weeks ago but firmly up against it back at this level on return to turf.

Form: 6364-11

(2)

Checkandchallenge¹⁵

Age: 4| Weight: 9-2| J: Andrea Atzeni| T: W J Knight| OR: 112| D

33/1

Smart colt. Won a 1m Group 3 at Deauville last summer. Good 2½ lengths fourth in Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot final 3-y-o start. Shaped as needing the run when 5¼ lengths fourth of 5 to Mutasaabeq at Newmarket on return but likely to find a few too good once again at this level.

Form: 27134-4

(6)

Chindit¹⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 9-2| J: P J Dobbs| T: R Hannon| OR: 113| C| D

22/1

Landed the Group 2 Summer Mile at Ascot last year and looked as good as ever when taking advantage of drop in class in listed race there on return. Good third in this last season, albeit proving no match for Baaeed. Making the frame probably the best he can hope for once again.

Form: 34168-1

(1)

Jadoomi²¹⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 9-2| J: James Doyle| T: S & E Crisford| OR: 115| D

14/1

Low-mileage 5-y-o who made up for lost time last season, completing hat-trick in Group 2 Boomerang Stakes at Leopardstown (1m) in September, making all by 4 lengths. Reportedly finished lame when excellent third in Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot on final start. Much respected.

Form: 33/1113-

(4)

Jumby³⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 9-2| J: Charles Bishop| T: Eve Johnson Houghton| OR: 109| C

50/1

Smart performer at 6f/7f who gained a fifth career success in the Hungerford Stakes here (7f) in August. Failed to land a meaningful blow on his last 4 starts, however, typically slowly away at Newmarket on return. Plenty to find at this level with stamina not assured.

Form: 01965-5

(11)

Light Infantry¹⁵

Age: 4| Weight: 9-2| J: J P Spencer| T: D M Simcock| OR: 119| C

12/1

Runner-up twice at Group 1 level in France last summer, including pushing Inspiral close in the Prix Jacques le Marois. Claims on that form and should prove sharper for his comeback run at Newmarket (3 lengths behind the penalised Mutasaabeq). Not taken lightly.

Form: 11/922-3

(9)

Lusail¹⁷

Age: 4| Weight: 9-2| J: R L Moore| T: R Hannon| OR: 110| BF

33/1

Dual Group 2 winner over 6f at 2 yrs, including the Gimcrack at York. Winless since for all he has proved consistent, length fourth of 5 to Chindit in listed race at Ascot (8f, good) 17 days ago. Easy to look elsewhere.

Form: 2375-64

(13)

Modern Games³⁶

Age: 4| Weight: 9-2| J: W Buick| T: C Appleby| OR: 121| BF| D

3/1

Four-time international Grade/Group 1 winner, including 3 last seasons, namely French 2000 Guineas at Longchamp, Woodbine Mile in Canada and Breeders' Cup Mile at Keeneland. Left with too much to do when runner-up in Grade 1 at Keeneland on return last month and good chance he can make amends here.

Form: 52121-2

(3)

Mutasaabeq^b¹⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 9-2| J: Jim Crowley| T: C Hills| OR: 120| D

4/1

Very smart miler who is 2 from 2 in this headgear (made all), namely Joel Stakes on final 4-y-o start and bet 365 Mile on return, both Group 2s at Newmarket. Well worth another shot at this level.

Form: 23241-1

(12)

My Prospero²¹⁷

Age: 4| Weight: 9-2| J: Tom Marquand| T: W J Haggas| OR: 121| CD

7/2

High-class colt who signed off last season with an excellent second to Bay Bridge in the Champion Stakes at Ascot. Form pick on that effort and should make a better 4-y-o but this trip is short of his optimum.

Form: 3/11313-

(8)

The Wizard Of Eye^p⁷

Age: 4| Weight: 9-2| J: K Shoemark| T: J S Moore| OR: 109| C| D

125/1

Useful colt but will find this company far too demanding.

Form: 5691-36

(5)

Laurel⁴⁰

Age: 4| Weight: 8-13| J: L Dettori| T: J & T Gosden| OR: 112| D

10/3

Well-regarded filly who easily won her first 2 starts in novices before running a massive race on only her third career start when runner-up in Sun Chariot at Newmarket, just her lack of experience costing her victory. Comfortably landed odds in listed race at Kempton on return and has more to come.

Form: 112-1

Non-Runners

(10)

Triple Time²³¹

Weight: 9-2| Age: 4

T: K A Ryan J: N Callan

Forecasts

Modern Games (3/1), Laurel (10/3), My Prospero (7/2), Mutasaabeq (4/1), Light Infantry (12/1), Jadoomi (14/1), Chindit (22/1), Triple Time (25/1), Berkshire Shadow (33/1), Lusail (33/1), Checkandchallenge (33/1), Jumby (50/1), The Wizard Of Eye (125/1)

A competitive renewal on ratings but MODERN GAMES is the only runner to have won at the highest level (4 times) and he was rather unlucky not to add to his tally at Keeneland 5 weeks ago. He looks the most solid option and can provide Godolphin with a ninth success. Exciting-filly Laurel has the most potential in the field so rates the biggest threat ahead of Mutasaabeq, who has responded very well to blinkers.