Lockinge Tips – CopyBet
Lockinge Tips – CopyBet
Newbury takes centre stage on Saturday afternoon as the field lines up for the Group 1 Lockinge Stakes over the straight mile at the famous Berkshire layout.
Audience slipped the field a year ago for a 22/1 shock, pinching a handy early lead and refusing to give it back, with what proved to be Europe's top miler, Charyn, emerging from the pack to finish a clear second.
There are some high-class contenders this year again. They include Rosallion, Irish 2000 Guineas and St James's Palace Stakes hero last season, along with fellow Guineas winners Fallen Angel and Notable Speech.
Our expert picks out his NAP and Next Best for Saturday's Lockinge at Newbury, with trainer David Menuisier seemingly having a filly with a major chance.
Last month's bet365 Mile at Sandown saw Dancing Gemini defeat TAMFANA into second spot.
The winner travelled ominously for Rossa Ryan and won well. Trainer Roger Teal has now secured the services of Ryan Moore for this assignment and, deservedly, Dancing Gemini is second-favourite to plunder a maiden Group 1 success.
His best effort so far in elite company saw him finishing second in last year's French 2000 Guineas but he has otherwise come up shy in this grade.
Last month's Sandown run was Tamfana's first since Ascot on Champions Day in October where she was third in the QEII behind Charyn, last year's runner-up in this race and Europe's best miler at season's end. She had Dancing Gemini behind in fourth that afternoon.
At Sandown she carried a penalty for winning the Group 1 Fillies' and Mares Sun Chariot Stakes at Newmarket in October. She will have a 5lb pull on these terms as she re-opposes Dancing Gemini and, at the odds, she might be nicely priced to turn it around. Her past performances in Group 1 company certainly indicate she belongs in this grade.
Rosallion, winner of the Irish 2000 Guineas and St James's Palace Stakes last season, is a worthy favourite but short enough in the betting given last season was cut short with a respiratory issue and he has spent 333 days off the track prior to coming here.
Richard Hannon's charge could be talented enough to overcome that but he was behind NOTABLE SPEECH in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket last season.
He had his revenge at Royal Ascot but that race didn't go to plan for the Godolphin-owned son of Dubawi.
Notable Speech signed off with a fine third in the Breeders' Cup Mile at Del Mar on fast ground in November.
He returns now with Appleby's yard in scintillating form, boasting a 41% strike-rate from the first 22 runners in the month of May (9-22). William Buick's partner is preferred at the prices to Rosallion.
18+. UK residents only. Betting tips are for entertainment purposes only and reflect the author's opinion.
Odds correct at time of publication but subject to change. No guarantees of outcomes. Please gamble responsibly.
Support available via BeGambleAware.org, GamCare.org.uk, and GAMSTOP.co.uk. T&Cs apply.
Enda McElhinney is an experienced sports writer with an in-depth knowledge on horse racing in Britain and Ireland, while he also covers football and snooker extensively.