Star names line up in Lockinge

RHODODENDRON and Limato are two of the star names among 31 entries for the Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes at Newbury on May 19.

With a total prize fund of £350,000 up for grabs, this year will mark the 60th running of the one mile Group One and another fantastic renewal looks in store.

The Aidan O’Brien-trained Rhododendron was runner-up in the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket and the Investec Oaks at Epsom last season but enjoyed her day in the sun when winning the Prix de l’Opera at Chantilly in October.

She has not been seen in competitive action since filling the runner-up spot at the Breeders’ Cup and could return to France to make her reappearance in the Prix Ganay.

O’Brien has five Lockinge contenders, with Deauville, Lancaster Bomber, War Decree and War Secretary completing the Ballydoyle quintet.

Henry Candy’s dual Group One winner Limato could only finish fourth when favourite for the 2016 Lockinge.

However, he will be a major contender if returning for a second attempt, having rediscovered his best form when dominating his rivals in the Challenge Stakes at Newmarket last autumn.

Godolphin has won a record eight runnings of the Lockinge.

Their recent record is especially good as they have won with Night Of Thunder (2015), Belardo (2016) and Ribchester (2017).

This year Sheikh Mohammed’s operation could be represented by Andre Fabre’s pair of Inns Of Court and Jimmy Two Times, as well as Laugh Aloud (John Gosden) and Dutch Connection (Charlie Hills).

Dean Ivory has given his stable star Librisa Breeze an entry after his ninth place in the Al Quoz Sprint at Meydan last Saturday and he is confident of a good run.

Blaklion (above) is now second favourite for the Grand National a week on Saturday. Total Recall is the new favourite.