After what looked like a red-hot Lockinge Stakes at Newbury on Saturday, it’s hard to know the pecking order in the mile division.
There was a serious hot four in Berkshire. Lead Artist finally lived up to his potential in winning for the Gosdens under Oisin Murphy, ahead of the well-backed a race-fit Dancing Gemini.
Last year’s best three-year-old milers, Rosallion and Guineas winner Notable Speech, were a little under par in third and fourth but both were subject to positive post-race reports with the race bound to bring them on.
Official Ratings Show Things Are Close
At the time of writing, Lead Artist hasn’t been reassessed by the BHA handicappers yet. He was rated 117 before the race and will likely end up with a rating of 120 or 121.
Locking Stakes 2025 Result and Ratings
| Position | Horse (SP) | Trainer | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Lead Artist (17/2) | John & Thady Gosden | 117 |
| 2nd | Dancing Gemini (2/1) | Roger Teal | 118 |
| 3rd | Rosallion (9/4) | Richard Hannon | 122 |
| 4th | Notable Speech (9/2) | Charlie Appleby | 122 |
| 5th | Checkandchallenge (125/1) | William Knight | 107 |
| 6th | Fallen Angel (20/1) | Karl Burke | 114 |
| 7th | Tamfana (15/2) | David Menuisier | 116 |
| 8th | Persica (22/1) | Richard Hannon | 112 |
Other Lockinge winners have been rated higher, and despite his potential going forward it would be wise to look elsewhere in the Queen Anne when the older milers meet again at Royal Ascot in four weeks’ time.
The front two were both match fit for the Lockinge, while Rosallion and Notable Speech clearly needed the run. Richard Hannion’s Rosallion reached a mark of 122 when winning at Royal Ascot last year, while Charlie Appleby’s Notable Speech was given the same mark for his earlier Guineas win.
One can’t help thinking that those two will be more to the fore in the Queen Anne. In fact, it was noteworthy that the Godolphin runner remained solid in the betting but was not hugely well supported at 9/2. There will be plenty of improvement to come from Notable Speech who was arguably the last off the bridle on Saturday.
What About the Classic Generation?
The first three home in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket may all be set for different trips early in the summer.
Ruling Court is heading for the Derby and may ultimately be a ten-furlong horse, while after his Irish 2000 Guineas assignment this weekend, Field Of Gold could head the same way. Shadow Of Light could come down to seven or even six furlongs over the summer months.
That said, an easier mile, such as the one at Goodwood for the Sussex, would suit Shadow Of Light. Last year’s champion juvenile ran to a mark of 120 last year and remains unchanged, though he clearly has more to come. Don’t let him become the forgotten horse in this niche.
Along with some potentially smart Aidan O’Brien runners, the very talented Juddmonte colt Cosmic Year runs in the Irish 2000 Guineas this week too. He would be another welcome addition to the top table when the age groups come together. This could yet be a vintage year for the mile division.
All of the horses mentioned so far are male. The 1000 Guineas winner Desert Flower is bound for the Oaks, but she too could yet come back towards a mile if that doesn’t go well. As well as this, Pretty Polly winner Falakeyah is another with speed who could get involved at some stage.
One thing we do know is that when the three-year-olds and the older milers meet, it’s going to be epic. Never mind another ‘Dual on the Downs’, anyone fancy a multi-party ‘Sussex Smashup’?