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ITV Racing Preview At Newbury And Newmarket: Look At The Outsiders In The Lockinge

After a good week at York, we now focus our attention on Newbury, where the feature race is the Group 1 Lockinge Stakes. Even though we’ve got a good field, I think those at the top of the market could be vulnerable, and that’s why I am looking at horses at bigger prices.
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1.50 Newbury – Desert Hero (Win)

I thought it was an encouraging reappearance by Desert Hero when he finished second at Sandown in the Jockey Club Stakes last month. That trip was over 1m2f which is probably too sharp for him, and stepping back up in trip to 1m4f looks like a major plus. Moreover, the ground looks like it might have a bit of ease in it this weekend, and that won’t be a problem for this son of Sea The Stars. Last season, he was a very good horse for William Haggas, winning at Royal Ascot and Glorious Goodwood as well as finishing third in the St Leger at Doncaster. I think if he can replicate some of his form from last season, then he could be a useful horse to follow in 2024.

2.25 Newbury – Malc (Each Way)

Malc was a horse that showed a good level of ability last season, which included a second-place effort at Royal Ascot. Most of his form came over 5f, and the last time we saw him, he was an eye-catching fourth in the Flying Childers Stakes, staying on strongly. I think this step up in trip will suit him as most of his family were effective over further. If he wins this, he could be a contender in the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot.

3.00 Newbury – Goodwood Odyssey (Each Way)

I really liked the way Goodwood Odyssey won at Sandown last month. He found a lot of traffic in the run-in, but once he found daylight, he won with ease. The handicapper has hit him with a 7lb rise for that win, but I think there could easily be more to come. 

This race has produced many good horses over the years, such as Bay Bridge, Headman, and Communique, who all went on to win group races, so make sure you have your notebooks at the ready.

3.35 Newbury – Hi Royal (Each Way) / Witch Hunter (Each Way)

I think there could be a boilover here, and I am looking at two at big prices. The first one is Hi Royal for Kevin Ryan. He didn’t run badly on his seasonal appearance to finish third in the Earl Of Sefton Stakes at Newmarket last month. He has a bit to find on official ratings here, but I think there are question marks over the market leaders. However, last season he did well to finish second in the 2,000 Guineas, and he also came third in the Irish 2,000 Guineas, so he is capable of running well in Group 1 company. With Ryan Moore booked for the ride, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him go well.

The other horse I like is Witch Hunter for Richard Hannon. He’s a horse that has continued to surprise people in his career, and last season he won the Group 2 Hungerford Stakes at this venue. This season, we’ve seen him a couple of times, and last time out, he was running on strongly in the closing stages to finish third at Haydock over 7f. I think stepping back up in trip 1m will suit him, and returning to Newbury will also be an advantage. He’s currently 50/1 at the time of writing, but I can see him outrunning his odds and making the frame.

2.05 Newmarket – So Logical (Win)

So Logical bolted up when breaking her maiden tag at Newcastle last month. This will be her handicap debut, but I think she could easily have more to offer in this sphere, and 77 looks to be a lenient mark. This three-year-old filly has already raced on the Rowley Mile at Newcastle and finished a respectable second, so the course shouldn’t be a problem. If Hollie Doyle puts her in a prominent position, she could be hard to peg back.

2.40 Newmarket – Gorak (Each Way)

 Gorak shaped well on his seasonal return when finishing fourth over this course and distance last time out. His form for Charlie Fellowes last season took a massive upward curve, and he rapidly went up the handicap. The son of Goken is now 2lb lower than his latest run, but that looks like a gift. With a run now under his belt, I expect him to take a step forward, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he could get his head in front. 

3.15 Newmarket – Hopeful (Win)

Hopeful ran a good race last time we saw him at Redcar when he was just chinned close home. That race was over 1m2f and I think stepping him back down in trip to 1m will suit him as he just got outstayed. The son of Make Believe is lightly-raced for his age and I think there is more to come from him off his mark of 84. For me, he is one of the horses I am most looking forward to seeing run this weekend.

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After a good week at York, we now focus our attention on Newbury, where the feature race is the Group 1 Lockinge Stakes. Even though we’ve got a good field, I think those at the top of the market could be vulnerable, and that’s why I am looking at horses at bigger prices.
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