Could an upset be on the cards in the Lockinge Stakes?

Preview and tips for seven live races…

There are a cracking couple of cards from Newbury and Newmarket today as the flat season continues apace.

The Group 1 Lockinge Stakes is the feature race of the day from the former, but there’s plenty of group action from across the day. And the ITV crew will be present to capture it in all its glory.

The Coral News Team preview the day’s racing with some key storylines and tips abound…

Open renewal of the Lockinge

There are 16 runners in this year’s Lockinge Stakes and that throws the window open for an unlikely winner. Aidan O’Brien’s Rhododendron and Henry Candy’s Limato head the betting but there could be a case made for at least half the entrants.

And it’s David O’Meara’s Suedois that gets the nod – at least from an each-way perspective. The seven-year-old was an impressive fourth last time out in the Breeders’ Cup Mile at Del Mar.

His previous two outings saw him past the post in first, too. And O’Meara has been at pains to point out how he’d been previously running his charge on the wrong ground, and the wrong trip.

The mile distance and the good ground at Newbury should suit him plenty. Although he doesn’t have the class of some, he’s a very smart horse.

Show me the money

Just before the Lockinge, keep an eye out for Richard Fahey’s Showmethedough in the 3.15 at Newmarket.

The three-year-old son of Showcasing was backed off the boards last week at Chester. However, he finished a disappointing sixth.

But that didn’t tell the whole story. He stayed on well at the end and looked to have plenty left in the tank. He steps up in trip a touch here to 6f and that could have a telling difference.

Fahey’s stable is firing on all cylinders at the minute and he could be worth an each-way play at the prices.

Crystal clear favourite

It’s back to Newbury where the Coral News Team finish off as Crystal Ocean looks to justify heavy favouritism in the Al Rayyan Stakes.

Sir Michael Stoute’s classy charge had a mightily impressive season last year, winning the Gordon Stakes at Glorious Goodwood. He also won on his seasonal reappearance at Sandown last month.

He’s going to be conceding plenty of weight to the rest of the field. But the son of Sea The Stars should have way too much quality for the rest of this field.

He was second on his debut at Newbury, and, with a lot more experience this time around, could bolt up.

ITV Racing Tips:

1:50 Newbury – Eqtidaar

2:05 Newmarket – Old Persian

2:25 Newbury – Crystal Ocean

2:40 Newmarket – Mutaaqeb

3:00 Newbury – Master Of Wine e/w

3:15 Newmarket – Showmethedough e/w

3:40 Newbury – Suedois e/w

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing