LIGHTNING READY TO STRIKE AFTER THE IDEAL BREAK

The career of LIGHTNING SPEAR (Newbury, 3.30) has been more like persistent drizzle than a breathtaking electrical storm, but that can all change in today’s Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes.

Great things were expected of the son of Pivotal after he started with four straight wins, but his career has stalled since, with just one more victory at Goodwood to show for his efforts.

however, Lightning Spear fans would point to a couple of sterling efforts in defeat at the hands of the fairer sex, when Tepin and Minding proved narrowly too strong for him at Ascot.

either of those world-class mares would be strongly fancied for today’s event, so David Simcock’s challenger could prove the answer to a race which presents a great opportunity for the selection to deliver at the top table.

Lightning Spear is well suited to a straight mile and his record following a lengthy absence is excellent, with figures of 113 after a break of six months or more.

The ease in the ground should hold no terrors and he looks well drawn to make a big impact on a winnable race for his in-form ridertrainer combination.

Galileo Gold, last year’s 2,000 Guineas winner, and Ribchester look likely to be on the premises, as does Somehow if she does not recoil from her third run in three weeks.

The return to six furlongs appeared to work the oracle for EQTIRAAN (Newmarket, nap, 3.15) at hQ over Guineas weekend and he can build on that display today.

Although Daniels flyer proved too strong leaving the Dip that day, Richard hannon’s colt had travelled powerfully for the majority of the race and was unfortunate to have his pocket picked by the well-timed challenge of the winner.

Eqtiraan’s experience of the track should stand him in good stead and he can defy a 5lb rise in the handicap on ground that suits.