Newbury trailblazer Ribchester leads the way for the milers

Ribchester was the form horse for the Lockinge Stakes, but in winning by such a decisive margin he looks to have carried over his three-year-old progress with a Racing Post Rating of 125.

While it wasn't the best running of the Lockinge, the Richard Fahey-trained colt dominated this field and extended his superiority over runner-up Lightning Spear (116) from last year's Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, where the pair followed Minding home.

It will be interesting to see how his form stands up to the likes of Churchill and other leading three-year-old milers. Ribchester holds a form edge for now and sets a good standard, though having improved 12lb himself between the Guineas and QEII last year there's clearly potential for one to progress past him, particularly with weight-for-age on their side.

Lightning Spear: finished second in the LockingeCredit: Mark Cranham

Lightning Spear ran to an RPR of 119 on his reappearance last year when third in the Queen Anne, but after looking more of a danger to the winner a furlong out the impression was that, despite an excellent record fresh, Lightning Spear could improve for the run.