Hands off! Lockinge hope Laurens is a filly money cannot buy

Owner John Dance has revealed he has resisted overtures from the huge bloodstock empires to keep hold of Laurens, who is reportedly better than ever before her return to action on Saturday.

Dance's four-year-old, who is a general 5-1 second favourite for the Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes at Newbury, has earned £1.48 million in prize-money since he paid £220,000 for her as a yearling.

Her five Group 1 victories have made a very attractive proposition to racing's biggest players, but Dance said: "Virtually everyone has had a go in some form or another.

"It was very tempting, but the chances of us getting a horse like her again are minimal, we are quite accepting of that. We're realistic that it's unlikely we'll get one like her again.

"There are a load of races this year that only she will probably ever take us to. When are we ever going to get to go to the Lockinge or the Queen Anne or whatever may come this year?

"From a breeding perspective it's so hard to find one to compete with the Godolphins, the Coolmores and the Juddmontes, and if we're selling them our best breeding stock we're probably diminishing the chances even more."

Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes card and betting

Trainer Karl Burke hopes that Laurens could be the superstar the European miling division currently lacks and warned Saturday's rivals she has "improved again".

The trainer is already eyeing the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot for the four-year-old, who has done all her winning in races confined to fillies and mares but is thought capable of asserting her class in open competition.

Burke said: "The mile division probably lacks a real superstar and hopefully she's there to fill that gap. She's a high-class horse, she's proved that each year she's run, and we think she's improved again. She's certainly improved physically and has probably got quicker with a bit of age as she's got stronger.

"That's why we're happy to start at a mile. I'd be surprised if we're going back up to a mile and a quarter. The pattern of races at a mile suits her perfectly."

Karl Burke is looking forward to running LaurensCredit: David Carr

A total of 17 remain in contention for Saturday's Group 1, the market for which is headed by Le Brivido at 7-2.

Le Brivido, who was previously trained by Andre Fabre, made his debut for Aidan O'Brien at Naas last month, whereas Laurens will be making her first start of the season.

Burke said: "She'll definitely improve a little bit, most horses do for a run, but she's been away to Newcastle for a gallop, she's done loads of work here and I'd say she's 95 per cent fit.

"She looks in great order, she's working well, but she'll need to be all of that in a Group 1.

"Whatever we do with her at home I'm sure she'll improve a bit, as she's a heavier, bigger filly this season. But we go there quietly confident."

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