15:40 Newbury

Saturday 18 May 2019

All13:5014:2515:0015:4016:1516:5017:25

Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes (Group 1) (Str)

Off time: 15:40 | Winning time: 1m 35.8s

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Selected odds by:

(3)

Accidental Agent²³²

Age: 5| Weight: 9-0| J: Charles Bishop| T: Eve Johnson Houghton| OR: 116| D

33/1

Much his best effort last year when winning Group 1 Queen Anne Stakes, but balance of his form suggests that win is a tad flattering, and last of 5 in Group 2 Joel Stakes at Newmarket on final start.

Form: 8/36105-

(1)

Beat The Bank²²

Age: 5| Weight: 9-0| J: S De Sousa| T: A M Balding| OR: 116| D

5/1

Prolific below Group 1 company, winning eight of his nine starts, but has struggled to break through in the big races. As good as ever on his return at Sandown, and possible that he will improve again this year having made his debut as a 3-y-o.

Form: 15100-1

(14)

Le Brivido³⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 9-0| J: R L Moore| T: A P O'Brien| OR: 116| BF

8/1

Only seen twice since winning Group 3 Jersey Stakes for Andre Fabre, and made an encouraging debut for current yard when a keeping-on third in the Gladness Stakes last time. Sure to build on that, and stable jockey rides him rather than I Can Fly.

Form: 1121/6-3

(11)

Lord Glitters⁴⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 9-0| J: D Tudhope| T: D O'Meara| OR: 116| D

13/2

Second to Accidental Agen in the Queen Anne and third in the Sussex Stakes last year. At least as good as ever when third of 13 to Almond Eye in Dubai Turf at Meydan on reappearance, and every chance if in the same form now.

Form: 23166-3

(5)

Mustashry³⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 9-0| J: Jim Crowley| T: Sir Michael Stoute| OR: 115| D

9/1

Had Accidental Agent behind when winning Joel Satkes at Newmarket in the autumn, and shaped well when third to Zabeel Prince in Earl of Sefton Stakes at Newmarket. Reliable granted quick ground, and should be thereabouts, for all this is tougher.

Form: 12110-3

(4)

Mythical Magic⁸⁶

Age: 4| Weight: 9-0| J: James Doyle| T: C Appleby| OR: 115| D

11/1

Has improved in Dubai this year, winning Group 2 Zabeel Mile at Meydan last time by 3 lengths from Century Dream. Claims if he can translate that form back to domestic competition.

Form: 53/22-21

(10)

Ostilio^t¹⁷

Age: 4| Weight: 9-0| J: Oisin Murphy| T: S & E Crisford| OR: 115| D

25/1

All-the-way winner of Britannia Handicap at Royal Ascot, and added a Group 2 win at Longchamp in October, beating Oh This Is Us. Disappointing on his return, and stiff task here, for all he looks the main pace angle.

Form: 11211-7

(9)

Romanised^t³⁵

Age: 4| Weight: 9-0| J: W J Lee| T: K J Condon| OR: 117| D

16/1

Standout performance when landing the Irish 2000 Guineas last May, but he's not repeated that, albeit looking unlucky when fifth in the Gladness Stakes at Naas in April.

Form: 61759-5

(7)

Sharja Bridge²²

Age: 5| Weight: 9-0| J: Andrea Atzeni| T: R Varian| OR: 115| BF| D

8/1

Top-class handicapper last year, and has improved again this season, winning a listed race at Doncaster, and finishing a close second to Beat The Bank in Group 2 at Sandown last time. Up in class again now, but not ruled out.

Form: 8471-12

(6)

Sir Dancealot¹⁶⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 9-0| J: G Mosse| T: D R C Elsworth| OR: 116| C

33/1

Best at 6f/7f, winning Group 2 Hungerford Stakes over latter trip here in August. Mixed form subsequently, and big question over his stamina on this return to action.

Form: 119550-

(13)

Without Parole^b1⁴⁹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-0| J: L Dettori| T: J & T Gosden| OR: 116| D

7/1

Started promisingly last year, winning St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot, but struggled a bit thereafter. Fifth to Almond Eye at Meydan on return, and cheekpieces he wore there swapped for blinkers now.

Form: 11766-5

(2)

Billesdon Brook¹³

Age: 4| Weight: 8-11| J: S M Levey| T: R Hannon| OR: 110| D

33/1

Sprung a major shock when winning last year's 1000 Guineas, but while she hasn't been disgraced since, she hasn't looked like climbing the same heights. Hard to see her winning this on balance.

Form: 41445-3

(8)

I Can Fly⁴⁹

Age: 4| Weight: 8-11| J: W M Lordan| T: A P O'Brien| OR: 115| D

14/1

Best effort last year when going down narrowly to Roaring Lion in QEII Stakes at Ascot in October. Simple task on return at Dundalk, and probably best to ignore her flop behind Almond Eye at Meydan.

Form: 1420-10

(12)

Laurens²¹⁰

Age: 4| Weight: 8-11| J: P J McDonald| T: K R Burke| OR: 117| D

5/1

Thoroughly game and consistent last year, winning Prix de Diane, Matron Stakes at Leopardstown and Sun Chariot at Newmarket. Below form on final start, but expected to bounce back after a break, and much respected.

Form: 116118-

Forecasts

Laurens (5/1), Beat The Bank (5/1), Lord Glitters (13/2), Without Parole (7/1), Le Brivido (8/1), Sharja Bridge (8/1), Mustashry (9/1), Mythical Magic (11/1), I Can Fly (14/1), Romanised (16/1), Ostilio (25/1), Accidental Agent (33/1), Sir Dancealot (33/1), Billesdon Brook (33/1)

It's hard to pin down Le Brivido given it's almost two years since his impressive Jersey Stakes win, but the presence of Ryan Moore vcannot be ignored, and he was looked after in the Gladness Stakes so should improve. Preference, however, is for the ultra-reliable LAURENS, who can be forgiven her final run last year, and had collected a trio of Group 1 prizes prior to that. Lord Glitters has run several excellent races at this level in the past year, and is also entitled to respect after an encouraging effort in Dubai.