Lockinge Day at Newbury 14/05/11

Quality and quantity is on offer on Saturday, with flat racing being on display at Newmarket, Doncaster and Newbury, with the highlight being the Group 1 Lockinge Stakes, which has the champion miler from last year Canford Cliffs looking to give trainer Richard Hannon back to back victories after the win of Paco Boy last year.

Canford Cliffs was the clear champion miler last year, finishing second in the 2000 Guineas, before winning the Irish equivalent, and remaining unbeaten for the rest of the season, winning the St James Palace Stakes and the Sussex Stakes, both of which being Group 1 races. He sets the standard, but he was beaten on his opening run of last year in the Greenham Stakes by DICK TURPIN, and I think there is a strong chance that it could happen again here. Dick Turpin was also very successful last year, winning a Group 1 race in France, and being the model of consistency, being unplaced only once last year, when not seeing out the trip in the International Stakes at York. He looked very impressive on his reappearance, which showed he has maintained his ability, and the run will have blown the cobwebs off. He should be around the 7/2 mark, and will be very good value, and guarantee to at least place.

DOMINANT looks to have a very strong chance when running in the Totesport.com Gold Cup Handicap, in the 3.10 at Newbury. Trainer Roger Varian is in sensational form, with winners coming seemingly thick and fast, including Pekan Star on Wednesday at York. Dominant won a good maiden, before impressive wins in the Tattersalls two year old trophy, running a respectable five lengths fifth of twenty seven, before reappearing this year to finish second to Chain Lightning in a class three handicap at Sandown. He is unexposed and has lots of improvement to come, and should be a very sweet price.

POLLY’S MARK was impressive last year running in group and listed company and performing with respectability when finishing second three consecutive races behind good horses Barshiba, Eastern Aria and Les Fazzini. The mare was unlucky in defeat to Gertrude Bell on her most recent outing, and was staying on well towards the end of the race. The step up in trip to this trip of 1m 5f is sure to suit, and her race two weeks ago will have put her cherry ripe to give Clive Cox and Adam Kirby a deserved success.

3.10 Newbury – Dominant (Nap)

3.00 Newbury – Polly’s Mark

3.45 Newbury – Dick Turpin