Superstar horse Frankel heads 14 entries for the JLT Lockinge Stakes at Newbury on May 19. And with it being the star turn’s first race of the year, punters will be flocking to the famous Berkshire course.
The supremely talented miler, who went through last year unbeaten in five races – four of them at Group One level – has had this race as his first target ever since the end of last season and the Sir Henry Cecil-trained horse is bound to go off as big favourite, with his current odds 4/9.
Frankel confirmed his well-being with an impressive racecourse gallop at Newmarket five days ago and is on course for his return to action this season.
There was some doubt over the colt’s future after suffering a leg injury in mid-April, but he received the all-clear to race on following a positive scan a week later, and moved up the gears in preparation for his comeback.
7/2 second favourite Excelebration, who was behind Frankel on several occasions last term, will have his first start since joining the Aidan O’Brien stable.
The Ballydoyle handler has also entered his vanquished Dubai World Cup favourite So You Think (6/1) and 50/1 Windsor Palace.
Trainer Richard Hannon has won the last two renewals of the Lockinge with Paco Boy and Canford Cliffs and is well represented by Dubawi Gold (33/1) and 8/1 chance Strong Suit.
Roger Varian looks set to run Nahrain, who narrowly lost her unbeaten record in the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf and can be found at around the 25/1 mark for this contest.
Of the others worth mentioning, Godolphin’s 50/1 shot Saamidd could make his reappearance but you’re not going to see us making any bold predictions here, it has to be Frankel all the way. As if you didn’t know, this horse really is unique.
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