Eighteen horses remain in the G1 Al Shaqab Lockinge S. at Newbury on Saturday, the majority of the field seeking their breakthrough victory at Group 1 level. At this early stage the betting market is headed by the Henry Candy trained Limato (Ire) (Tagula {Ire}), who will be tackling a mile for the first time and was last seen running second to Make Believe (Fr) (Makfi {GB}) in the G1 Prix de la Foret at Longchamp last October.
Toormore (Ire) (Arakan), one of the four Group 1 winners in the field, was a good winner of the G2 Bet365 mile at Sandown Apr. 22 and he could re-oppose Dutch Connection (GB) (Dutch Art {GB}) and Belardo (Ire) (Lope de Vega {Ire}), who both finished behind him on that occasion.
Amazing Maria (Ire) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}) made an encouraging return to action when third to Usherette (Ire) (Shamardal) in the G2 Dahlia S. at Newmarket 10 days ago and this dual Group 1 winner might well be the classiest entrant. Another filly with good credentials is the Marco Botti trained Euro Charline (GB) (Myboycharlie {Ire}). The Team Valor owned 5-year-old ran a brilliant race at Meydan last time when chasing home Real Steel (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) in the G1 Dubai Turf on World Cup night.
Irish trainer Ger Lyons intends to run Endless Drama (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) and the trainer admits it will be a “huge ask” for the 4-year-old on his first start in almost a year. The imposing colt was last seen finishing second to Gleneagles (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) in the G1 Tattersalls Irish 2000 Guineas and Lyons has great faith in the horse commenting, “If I have a Group 1 horse among the older brigade of horses, this lad is definitely it.”
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