Lightning can strike at last in Lockinge

TRAINER David Simcock has enjoyed a magnificent week and there is a chance it will get better if LIGHTNING SPEAR (Newbury, 3.40) can pull off a surprise win in a competitive Lockinge Stakes. On first glance, it is tricky to make a case for a seven-year-old winning a Group One prize of today’s stature, but if he is ever going to manage a top-level victory then this could be the day — with his handler basking in the glory of a French Guineas win last Sunday. A year ago, Lightning Spear was a gallant runner-up to Ribchester in this event on ground which was arguably unsuitable and that performance took his record after a break of two months or more to 11132. Those are useful statistics for a horse of his price and the faster terrain and strong pace often generated by a big field could play in his favour. Simcock (below) also landed a Windsor Listed event with Arod during the week, so the yard are clearly in great heart and a repeat of last year’s performance or Lightning Spear’s third in the Sussex Stakes may see the selection involved at the finish at a tasty price. It will be fascinating to see how Addeybb goes on a sound surface. Stall 16 may prove an awkward berth, so he is reluctantly overlooked, as is Limato, who was beaten two lengths in the 2016 running of this race.