RIB’S PRIMED TO SIZZLE

Godolphin can rule the roost at Newbury with Ribchester taken to headline a high-profile double for them in the Group One Al Shaqab LockingeStakestomorrow.

The Richard Faheytrained four-year-old is unlikely to be too much of a generous price as he leads the ratings, but it is hard to pick holes in the colt’s form, particularly as he has a much-needed pacemaker in the field this time.

If you could have one criticism of Ribchester it would be that he is not the most relaxed of racers, but the presence of stablemate Toscanini will ensure that he has the necessary lead through the early stages.

Despite his occasional keenness, Ribchester has managed to strike at the top table, landing the Prix Jacques le Marois after notable near-misses in the 2000 Guineas and Sussex Stakes, when the reopposing Galileo Gold won.

Connections might have hoped to hit the target again in the QEII on his final start of the year, but superstar filly Minding proved too good, making fine use of her fillies allowance and the fact that Ribchester was far too eager.

The same problem occurred when he was third in Dubai on his return in March, though the step up to nine furlongs would not have helped matters.

That run should have given him a nice springboard and he will appreciate both the switch to a mile and cut in the ground.

Conditions are vital for Hawkbill in the Al Rayyan Stakes as he really thrives when he can get his toe in.

The Al Zubarah London Gold Cup Handicap is always a tricky affair to figure out but Century Dream could be the solution for Simon Crisford.

Valcartier is obviously showing a bit at home to merit an Eclipse entry, so he should be noted in Newmarket’s Betway Fairway Stakes.