Lockinge Stakes runner-up More Thunder is “all systems go for Royal Ascot” according to connections.
The five-year-old enjoyed a sensational 2025 after joining William Haggas from the retired Sir Michael Stoute. He won four of his six starts, his only failure coming narrowly in the Wokingham Stakes at the royal meeting. He won his other three handicaps though and demonstrated his immense improvement by easily claiming the Group 2 Hungerford Stakes. His season culminated with a fourth-placed effort upped to Group 1 company at Longchamp.
Returning for this campaign, More Thunder could have not have been competing in a more difficult contest. The Lockinge was won in fine style by former 2000 Guineas hero Notable Speech, but Haggas’ charge was a fast-finishing runner-up. He comfortably beat some notable types on his first run of 2026.
With 1m and a stiff finish likely to suit, More Thunder’s Royal Ascot prospects look promising. The Group 1 Queen Anne Stakes, the opening race of the meeting, is his next target.
“He looks tremendous” – Philip Robinson
A five-year-old won the Queen Anne Stakes last season in Docklands. Haggas will be hoping lightning can strike twice for the age group, and for himself; Haggas trained Baaeed to win the race in 2022.
Owner Saeed Suhail has not yet claimed the Group 1 prize. However, he will have few better chances at landing such a significant race this season. Philip Robinson, who is racing manager for the owner, spoke up the horse’s chances to At The Races.
“He looks tremendous, I saw him the other day. He’s bouncing and the lads who are riding him are very happy, and he will definitely come on for that run at Newbury.
“All systems go for Royal Ascot and hopefully he will give them something to think about in the Queen Anne for sure.
“Absolutely (he hit the line well) and it looked like it was a stiff mile. At Ascot, it will suit him better. I wouldn’t be scared of anything at Ascot, he’s going there with a great chance.
“He will just stay in the Group Ones, he won’t be going anywhere else. We’ll play it by ear (on which distance), but you’ve got the Sussex and four or five really top-class Group One races for him to aim at and hopefully he will pick a couple up.
“He’s doing all of his best work at the end and that’s what we wanted to see.”