LIGHTNING IS SET TO STRIKE
LIGHTNING SPEAR has work to do with Newbury conqueror, and today’s Ribchester hotpot, – but can gain his revenge.
The pair met in the Group 1 Lockinge Stakes at Newbury last month, and it was the Richard Fahey-trained Ribchester who came out on top.
After intended pacemaker Toscanini fell out of the stalls, last year’s Jersey Stakes hero was forced to make his own running under Will Buick.
But Plan B worked to the letter, as Ribchester beat David Simcock’s Lightning Spear by three and threequarter lengths.
The Newbury winner is on offer at skinny odds to stay on top, but underfoot conditions – soft that day – will be very different here.
And while Ribchester has shown himself to be right at home with give in the ground, Lightning Spear’s preference is to hear his hooves rattle.
Despite being six years old, he hasn’t been overraced and the suspicion remains that we have still to see the best of him. Mutakayyef
finished behind Ribchester in Dubai but has claims of making the minor medals.
The move back to a mile Deauville with could be the right one, while American Miss Temple City raider is also respected.