'5-1 for the Queen Anne is massive' - will the Lockinge form be turned around at Royal Ascot?

The first four home in the Lockinge are the top four in the betting for the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot on June 17. Will Lead Artist confirm the form, could Dancing Gemini turn the tables, or can Rosallion or Notable Speech take a big step forward from their return? Three of our experts provide their views

• Oisin Murphy profits from Kieran Shoemark-Gosdens fallout as well-backed Lead Artist downs big guns 

'He should have a class edge at Ascot'

By Jack Haynes, reporter

Rosallion and Notable Speech shaped encouragingly on their returns and my preference would be the former in the Royal Ascot opener next month.

Richard Hannon's stable star was a shade keen and did not get a great amount of cover but ran perfectly well on his first start since last June.

Ascot suits him particularly well – he is 2-2 at the track – whereas Notable Speech failed to fire on his sole visit to the track when seventh behind Rosallion in the St James's Palace last year.

Lead Artist took a big step forward from his Sandown reappearance on more favourable quick ground and will be well suited by a stiff finish at Ascot. Rosallion, however, should have a class edge with the benefit of this outing.

Rosallion14:30 Ascot

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Jky: Tnr: Richard Hannon

'Perfectly respectable return from Rosallion'

By Tom Park, tipster

I thought that was a perfectly respectable return from Rosallion. He was a bit fresh in the early stages and didn't have the cover he craves in his races, but despite that he still travelled into the race as well as, if not better, than anything else in the field.

When asked to win his race there was an initial burst, but he couldn't sustain it to get on terms with the leaders. I think he will improve plenty for the run and the engine certainly still looks there.

Rosallion (yellow cap) was making his return from a lengthy absence in the LockingeCredit: Edward Whitaker

Notable Speech, who was also having his first run of the season, travelled well enough into the race too, but he was ridden more rigorously in the final furlong than Rosallion and still couldn't pass him. Sean Levey gave his mount a couple of small taps but he was predominantly hands and heels to the finish. 

There are bigger days to be had with Rosallion and the 5-1 available with Ladbrokes and Coral for the Queen Anne at Royal Ascot is massive.

Rosallion14:30 Ascot

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Jky: Tnr: Richard Hannon

'Why should the others bridge the deficit next month?'

By James Hill, tipster

The Lockinge was a slightly strange race and the Queen Anne betting is a little peculiar as well. Why is the winner only joint-third favourite for Royal Ascot with none of the next three he beat at Newbury bigger prices in most quarters?

It was a turn-up to see the first two in Saturday’s race pull clear of Rosallion and Notable Speech in the closing stages. You can put that down to race fitness, and maybe the stands’ rail wasn’t the best spot for the third and fourth (the other two highest stalls finished last and second last). 

Still, why should the others bridge the deficit with Lead Artist next month? His first start back at Sandown was a write-off and this was much more like the improving colt we saw last autumn. He’s now a Group 1 winner and I see no reason why he can’t bag a few more.

Lead Artist14:30 Ascot

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Jky: Tnr: John & Thady Gosden

Queen Anne Stakes (Ascot, June 17)

Ladbrokes: 4-1 Lead Artist, 5 Dancing Gemini, Notable Speech, Rosallion, 8 Facteur Cheval, Porta Fortuna, 10 Sardinian Warrior, Friendly Soul, 12 Docklands, 16 bar

Read more . . .

Oisin Murphy profits from Kieran Shoemark-Gosdens fallout as well-backed Lead Artist downs big guns 

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