The Lockinge Stakes is a Group One race staged at Newbury racecourse and run over a distance of 1 mile.
First run in 1958 the contest is for 3 year-olds and older horses and has been won 4 times in the last 10 years by the Richard Hannon yard. In recent years the race has also been dominated by 4 year-olds, with 12 of the last 17 runnings going to horses in that age group, while 14 of the last 17 winners hailed from the first three in the betting.
Here at SUREWIN we look back at past winners of the race, plus are on-hand with all the key ahead of the 2021 renewal – this year run on Saturday 15th May.
2019 – MUSTASHRY (9/1)
2018 - RHODODENDRON (10/3 fav)
2017 - RIBCHESTER (7/4 fav)
2016 – BELARDO (8/1)
2015 – NIGHT OF THUNDER (11/4 jfav)
2014 – OLYMPIC GLORY (11/8 fav)
2013 – FARHH (10/3)
2012 – FRANKEL (2/7 fav)
2011 – CANFORD CLIFFS (4/5 fav)
2010 – PACO BOY (8/11 fav)
2009 – VIRTUAL (6/1)
2008 – CREACHADOIR (3/1 fav)
2007 – RED EVIE (8/1)
2006 – PEERESS (4/1)
2005 – RAKTI (7/4 fav)
2004 – RUSSIAN RHYTHM (3/1 fav)
2003 – HAWK WING (2/1 fav)
17/17 – Won over a mile before
14/17 – Came from the top 3 in the betting
14/17 – Drawn between stalls 3-7 (inc)
13/17 – Returned 4/1 or shorter in the betting
13/17 – Had won a Group One race before
12/17 – Aged 4 years-old
12/17 – Had won at least 4 times before
11/17 – Winning favourites
10/17 – Having their first run of the season
10/17 – Unplaced last time out
5/17 – Godolphin owned
4/17 – Won by the Richard Hannon yard (Has won the race 5 times in all)
4/17 – Won by a mare
4/17 – Ran at Newmarket last time out
3/17 – Won by a Cheveley Park stud-owned horse (won it 5 times in all)
3/17 – Won by trainer Sir Michael Stoute (has won the race 8 times in all)
1/17 – Winners from stall 1 or 2
The average winning SP in the last 17 runnings is 10/3
SUREWIN VERDICT: Some very nice sorts on show here, including the Aidan O’Brien-trained Lope Y Fernandez, who returned to the track with an easy win in a Listed race at Leopardstown last month. Prior to that he’s got solid G1 form and should not be far away. Mr Oberon is another that won on his return when taking the G3 Earl Of Sefton Stakes at Newbury and should make his presence felt. Top Rank is closely-matched with My Oberon based on last season’s form and can get involved too. But that trio all have it to do to topple the 125-rated PALACE PIER, who should really be adding this G1 to his tally. This Gosden/Dettori runner was super-impressive in winning the G2 Bet365 Mile by 8 lengths at Sandown earlier his season and on that form he’s the clear one to beat. Softer ground is fine if there is more rain and really if repeating that run from last time it should be Palace Pier first and the rest playing for places. The three already mentioned – My Oberon, Top Rank and Lope Y Fernandez – will be the most likely to give the selection the most to think about, but it’s unlikely to be enough.