The Weekend Winners panel has been through the cards ahead of Saturday’s Boyle Sports Lockinge Stakes at Newbury, live on Sky Sports Racing at 2.35pm. Kate Tracey, Sam Boswell and Declan Rix singled out the feature as the day’s standout contest, where market leaders Damysus and Zeus Olympios head the betting, with four-time Group One winner Notable Speech the best of the rest.
Attheraces.com commentator Declan Rix is backing Sahlan. He points to trainer Francis-Henri Graffard and jockey Mickael Barzalona, both of whom are in terrific form, and feels Sahlan is underpriced given his profile. Rix highlights last season’s win over Rosallion in the Prix du Moulin and says the colt was too green when tried on dirt at the Breeders’ Cup, a run from which he will have learned a lot. Provided the ground stays quick, Rix sees real value in Sahlan.
Host Kate Tracey prefers More Thunder. She notes the horse loves Newbury, having taken the Hungerford there last year, and is by Night of Thunder, the sire of a past Lockinge winner. Tracey describes More Thunder as versatile, effective from six furlongs up to 1m2f, and believes his determination could carry him through despite this being his first attempt at a mile at Group One level. She thinks he has the attributes to land a maiden Group One victory.
BetVictor’s Sam Boswell also sides with Sahlan, echoing Rix’s view. Boswell believes the runner’s Del Mar effort can be upgraded, arguing the sharp turns there did not suit him and the Newbury configuration will be more to his liking. Despite some watering of the track in the build-up, Boswell expects good ground and feels Sahlan’s price is disrespectful, making him an appealing each-way option.
The panel’s split highlights a competitive renewal: Sahlan for those favouring form and connections, More Thunder for proven Newbury form and versatility, while others will be watching the established Group One performers near the head of the market. Weekend Winners in full can be viewed on the At The Races YouTube channel.