15:35 Newbury

Saturday 18 May 2024

All13:5014:2515:0015:3516:1016:4517:15

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

Off time: 15:36 | Winning time: 1m 35.29s

(5)

Audience^h²¹⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 9-2| J: R Havlin| T: J & T Gosden| OR: 114

22/1

Much improved since being gelded and fitted with a hood, winning a 7f Group 3 at Newmarket on his 2023 reappearance. Second in Group 2 company at York and Doncaster (both 7f) at the end of the summer but below-form third in Newmarket Group 2 final start. Tackles 1m for the first time on return.

Form: 1/16223-

(9)

Big Rock²¹⁰

Age: 4| Weight: 9-2| J: Aurelien Lemaitre| T: Maurizio Guarnieri| OR: 118| D

11/4

Runner-up in French Derby at Chantilly, Prix Jacques le Marois at Deauville (to Inspiral) and Prix du Moulin at Longchamp prior to breaking his Group 1 duck with a bang in QEII at Ascot (1m, soft) in October, making all by 6 lengths. Has left Christopher Head prior to reappearance.

Form: 112221-

(6)

Charyn²²

Age: 4| Weight: 9-2| J: S De Sousa| T: R Varian| OR: 116| D

4/1

Found a few too strong at the top level at 3 but has returned an improved performer, winning a Doncaster listed (1m, heavy) and Group 2 Sandown Mile (good to soft; beat Poker Face 1¼ lengths) in recent months.

Form: 3833-11

(2)

Dear My Friend⁵⁰

Age: 4| Weight: 9-2| J: J Fanning| T: C Johnston| OR: 113| BF| D

40/1

Developed into a smart performer on AW at the start of this year, winning 3 times over 1m, including a Lingfield listed. Disappointing at Newcastle on Good Friday, though, and this surely asks too much back on turf.

Form: 00-1110

(8)

Flight Plan²⁵²

Age: 4| Weight: 9-2| J: D Tudhope| T: K R Burke| OR: 113| D

33/1

Took time to find his feet last year but ended the season on the up, culminating with a breakthrough success at pattern level at Leopardstown (1m, good to firm) in September. Every chance he'll make up into an even better 4-y-o but this is a very tough starting point.

Form: 207231-

(4)

Hi Royal^p³¹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-2| J: R L Moore| T: K A Ryan| OR: 112| D

22/1

Placed in 2000 Guineas at Newmarket and the Irish version at the Curragh last May. Lost his way badly in the second half of his 3-y-o campaign but back on track after wind surgery when third to Ottoman Fleet in 9f Newmarket Group 3 on reappearance in April. Cheekpieces refitted

Form: 23990-3

(10)

Poker Face^p²²

Age: 5| Weight: 9-2| J: James Doyle| T: S & E Crisford| OR: 116| D

9/1

Made excellent progress at 4, winning Pontefract listed, Deauville Group 3 and Longchamp Group 2. Cheekpieces on first time, good 1¼ lengths second to Charyn in Sandown Mile on reappearance. Gave 3 lb to Roger Varian's charge on that occasion and shouldn't be much between them off levels.

Form: 21112-2

(11)

Royal Scotsman^t1³³³

Age: 4| Weight: 9-2| J: J P Spencer| T: P & O Cole| OR: 114

16/1

Placed for second time in Group 1 company at Newmarket when third to Chaldean (Hi Royal ½ length ahead in second) in last year's 2000 Guineas. Well held in the Irish 2000 Guineas and St James's Palace subsequently and needs to get his career back on track after 11 months off. Tongue tied first time.

Form: 152/398-

(7)

Witch Hunter⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 9-2| J: S M Levey| T: R Hannon| OR: 111| C

22/1

Smart performer who bagged Buckingham Palace (Handicap) at Royal Ascot and Group 2 Hungerford here (both 7f) last summer. Has returned with 2 respectable efforts this spring but behind Charyn and Poker School in Sandown Mile first occasion and biting off more than he can chew here.

Form: 3410-53

(1)

Inspiral¹⁹⁶

Age: 5| Weight: 8-13| J: K Shoemark| T: J & T Gosden| OR: 120| D

2/1

Beat Big Rock to land a second successive Prix Jacques le Marois at Deauville last August and went on to complete a top-level hat-trick in the autumn with wins in the Sun Chariot at Newmarket (1m) and Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf at Santa Anita (1¼m). A mare of the highest class.

Form: 6/25111-

Non-Runners

(3)

Real World⁴⁹

Weight: 9-2| Age: 7

T: S bin Suroor J: Oisin Murphy

Forecasts

Inspiral (2/1), Big Rock (11/4), Charyn (4/1), Poker Face (9/1), Royal Scotsman (16/1), Real World (20/1), Audience (22/1), Witch Hunter (22/1), Hi Royal (22/1), Flight Plan (33/1), Dear My Friend (40/1)

An excellent renewal. The possibility of ease in the ground just tips things in the favour of BIG ROCK over Inspiral, who has shown her peak form on good or firmer. A change of stable muddies the waters slightly regarding the selection but he was most impressive in the QEII at Ascot when last seen. Recent Sandown Mile 1-2 Charyn and Poker Face look best of the rest.