Rib primed for Newbury glory

Quality can shine through in race of the day

RIBCHESTER’S quality can see him through when he goes for gold in the Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes at Newbury.

The Richard Fahey-trained fouryear-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 muchneeded 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 still managed to strike at the top table, landing the Prix Jacques le Marois after notable nearmisses in both the 2000 Guineas and Sussex Stakes, when the reopposing Galileo Gold finished in front.

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, and with Ribchester far too eager.

The same problem occurred when he finished third in Dubai on his return in March.

That run should have given him a nice springboard for this race and he

will appreciate both the switch back to a mile and cut in the ground. Conditions are crucial for

HAWKBILL in the Al Rayyan Stakes as he is a runner who really thrives when he can get his toe in.

The 12 furlongs he faces is something of a question mark, but Charlie Appleby made no secret of the fact he thought this horse would improve for more of a test.

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

Beaten out of sight by Mirage Dancer on his only juvenile run, Valcartier showed the benefit of another winter on his back winning at Nottingham last month.

He was a different class that day and this looks a logical step from John Gosden with bigger targets surely in mind for the future.

SELECTIONS :

NEWBURY: 1.50 Hawkbill, 2.20 Visionary, 2.55 Century Dream, 3.30 RIBCHESTER (NAP), 4.05 Kit Marlowe, 4.40 Natavia, 5.10 Top Beak.

NEWMARKET: 2.05 Valcartier, 2.40 Larchmont Lad, 3.15 Holmeswood, 3.50 Take Shelter, 4.25 Baron Bolt, 5.00 Really Super, 5.35 Acclaim The Nation. DOUBLE: Ribchester and Hawkbill.