Lightning to bid for Group 1 breakthrough in Lockinge

There may be no Minding in Saturday’s Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes but the two who chased home the Ballydoyle superstar in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot last October are set to renew rivalry in the Newbury feature.

Runner-up Ribchester is after a second Group 1 success after winning the Jacques le Marois last year, but the Ascot third Lightning Spear is still searching for that elite win after going close in his interrupted career.

The six-year-old entire built a reputation in winning his first four races but the Lockinge will be just his 14th career start, with a Group 2 success in last year's Goodwood Celebration Mile, after moving from Olly Stevens after his retirement last year to David Simcock, the high point so far.

David Redvers, racing manager to owner Qatar Racing, said: “He's in very good order and David's very happy with him - he's working very well and is in a very good place this year.

“He's a proven Group 1 performer who has been knocking on the door and hopefully this is his year. We're praying they don’t have too much rain at Newbury.”

The Berkshire track on Monday had good ground, with clerk of the course Richard Osgood reporting: “When Ascot had 4mm of rain last Thursday evening we had 19mm. Today has been drizzly and the forecast this week is a mixture of sunshine and showers.

“The nice thing is that means we don’t need to water, having had to after April rainfall was just 7.6mm in total.”

Ribchester, cut to 9-4 favourite from 5-2, is one of three Godolphin contenders left in the mile feature, along with Dutch Connection and possible pacemaker Toscanini.

Minding may be staying at home but Aidan O’Brien has left in recent Group 2 Dahlia Stakes winner Somehow, as well as outsider Cougar Mountain.

Somehow and Ryan Moore: winning the Dahlia Stakes at Newmarket's Guineas meetingCredit: Alan Crowhurst

Minding and Alice Springs had been entered but it is the race-fit Somehow, a 5-1 chance alongside Lightning Spear with Coral, who will try to add to her trainer’s Group 1 score this season.

Last year’s 2,000 Guineas winner Galileo Gold, eased to 3-1 from 11-4, is ready to get back on track after a disappointing end to his three-year-old campaign in the QEII.

Dicton, third in last year’s French Derby, Aclaim, Ennaadd and Mitchum Swagger complete the dozen.