'The more you look, the more you scare yourself' - no end of dangers as hat-trick-seeking Dancing Gemini bids for Group 1 breakthrough

A familiar story has been playing out in the top mile races in Britain, but Roger Teal hopes it will have a different ending this time.

Last spring the four-year-old Charyn, a smart juvenile who went winless in his second season despite being placed in Group 1 company, came here on a hat-trick after landing the Doncaster Mile and bet365 Mile at Sandown – and finished second to Audience.

For Charyn read Dancing Gemini, a Listed-winning two-year-old who was second in the French 2,000 Guineas last season but who was scoring his first success in 18 months when triumphing on Town Moor in March.

He followed up readily at Sandown three weeks ago and is reported in fine heart for his return to the highest level.

Dancing Gemini (Rossa Ryan) lands the bet365 Mile at Sandown to set up a tilt at the Lockinge StakesCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

"If he can rock up like he did at Sandown, he should run very well," said Teal. "That was an easy race to watch, it was lovely to see him back up the Doncaster run with a better performance."

But the trainer is under no illusions as to the size of the task his star faces and said: "This would be one of the strongest Lockinges they've had for a long while. There are three Guineas winners – nearly four, if France had gone right for us. It's a really good field.

"The more you look, the more you scare yourself. But we've just got to worry about our own horse. If he can hold his form he's got to be in with a shout." 

Up for the challenge 

Taking on top-class opposition does not faze David Menuisier. In fact, he welcomes it for what it will tell him about star filly Tamfana.

That is one reason why he runs last year's Sun Chariot Stakes winner here, rather than in the Prix d'Ispahan at Longchamp next weekend.

"It's been a debate in the syndicate as to what her best trip is, because she runs well at every one," said the trainer. "If you run against the best milers, you know whether you have the best miler or not. If you don't, you may try something different next time.

"It makes more sense than going to France over the distance of nine furlongs. That doesn't give you any clue over what's your best trip.

"If she can win, it means we have a hell of a horse. And nothing is proven that we don't at this point."

Tamfana wins the Group 1 Sun Chariot Stakes

Tamfana is 5lb better off for the length and three-quarters she was beaten into second place by Dancing Gemini in the bet365 Mile at Sandown.

"I was delighted with her run," said Menuisier. "She tired and got just one flick. 

"She's done really well physically over the winter, so she's a bigger unit this season. She was beaten by a horse who had a run under his belt and she was carrying a penalty too. All in all I was really pleased, and she's definitely come on for that run."

What they say

William Knight, trainer of Checkandchallenge
On ratings he's got a lot to find with all of them, but he ran a very good race at Ascot, he's in really good form and he could surprise a few people and run a big race. 

Thady Gosden, joint-trainer of Lead Artist
He's come on for his comeback run at Sandown and is in good shape at home. The straight mile on top of the ground should play to his strengths.

Lead Artist: runs in the Lockinge StakesCredit: Edward Whitaker

Charlie Appleby, trainer of Notable Speech
We've been delighted with him. We took him to Newmarket for a day out at the Craven meeting and he's ticked every box. We're taking on Rosallion again and it looks a very strong running, but we couldn’t be any happier with our horse.

Richard Hannon, trainer of Persica and Rosallion
Persica's a good horse who won well last time at Newmarket and deserves his chance in a field like this. His owners wanted to have a go and, although he's got a bit to find, it's not out of the question. A mile is perfect for him and he gets a mile and a quarter. We're happy with Rosallion and he's in good form. We've taken him away three times – he's been to Newbury twice and Kempton – and has done plenty. We're hoping he's the same horse as he was last year. Until he goes to the maximum you don't quite know, but we're happy with him and he looks great. He's got quick ground with plenty of runners, so there'll be no excuses there.

Rosallion (right): back in action in the Lockinge StakesCredit: Edward Whitaker

Karl Burke, trainer of Fallen Angel
She's a very high-class filly and owes nobody anything. She's working only satisfactorily but she's a year older and she's only going through the motions at home. She's also a filly who's got better with a run under her belt and for a bit of warmer weather. I'm hoping she runs a nice race but I'm very much looking towards the rest of the season with her. Royal Ascot will be the main plan.

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