The ITV camera primarily focus on Newbury on Saturday, with the Group 1 Lockinge Stakes at 3.35pm boasting the return of some miling superstars. Joe Napier provides his top tips for the action on terrestrial TV below.
1.50pm – Sky Sports Racing Aston Park Stakes (Group 3)
There are some interesting ones at big prices, so those looking for each-way value are not put off either Flying Honours or the progressive Maxi King, the former of whom could bounce back given injury troubles have postponed his career to this point, and the latter having impressed at Newmarket last time out. However, the percentage call for the win is DESERT HERO, who ran really well on his return.
He was beaten just a head in Sandown’s Group 3 Gordon Richards Stakes over an inconveniently short 1m2f. He rallied really well that day and progressed throughout last term to be third in the St Leger. Back up in trip, he looks to hold the measure of most of these and may be a better older horse than he was during his Classic season.
2.25 Newbury – Highclere Castle Gin Carnarvon Stakes (Listed Race)
Relief Rally was undoubtedly the best of these at two, and will be suited by dropping back to a true sprint distance after underwhelming over 7f. However, that effort at least raised doubts that she may not fully have trained on between her juvenile season and now, so there is probably a worthwhile alternative.
Those who have already had a run this season take preference, and ADAAY IN DEVON, who has been to the well four times already in 2024. She was a runner-up at Listed level last season, but claimed those honours at Bath two starts back before only the revitalised Jasour bested her at Ascot in the Group 3 Commonwealth Cup Trial last time. That proved 6f holds no fears for her and she is riding a high that can continue into this contest.
3.00 Newbury – Trade Nation London Gold Cup Handicap
Aidan O’Brien seeks back-to-back successes in this handicap, but this is typically competitive. His Chantilly got off the mark in good style at Leopardstown, but it was on heavy ground and there are enough doubts about his adaptability for a sounder surface.
Those doubts do not apply to FIGHTER COMMAND, who has to step up on his form to date but could well be capable. He might ultimately want further than this, but is well-bred and the form of his Windsor maiden success last time out has generally been boosted by the second and third. He has raced very keenly to date, but a bigger field and wider draw give him a chance to get covered and settle better.
3.35 Newbury – Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes (Group 1)
On general form, INSPIRAL should be a clear favourite over Big Rock, so if the prices are close between the pair, then ready preference would be for the Gosden mare. The French-trained colt put in a special performance at Ascot, but by far his two most dominant efforts have come on soft or heavy going and he was decisively beaten by the selection at Deauville last season.
Couple that with the fact Big Rock has changed yards and there are enough doubts for it to comfortably sway in favour of Inspiral. She ran up a hat-trick to end last season, but even though she was beaten on her return last season, she was beaten just a neck in the Group 1 Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot and was brilliant fresh the season before. Although both Charyn and Poker Face are potential improvers, they would have to go some to beat the Cheveley Park superstar.
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