Dubai: New Godolphin recruit Night Of Thunder bids to give the stable a sixth victory in the £350,000 (Dh2.2 million) Lockinge Stakes (G1), an established first port of call for Europe’s top milers, and the first British Group 1 event of the season open to older horses.
Trained by Richard Hannon, the four-year-old son of Dubawi is the star attraction in the record field of 18 that also includes stable companion Toormore, a winner of the Craven Stakes (G1) last season, and Sun Chariot (G1) victory Integral.
Previously raced by Dubai businessman Saeed Manana, Night Of Thunder won the 2,000 Guineas (G1) but was denied further success when placed in three major Group 1 contests.
Hannon said: “He should be fit enough to win, although he will improve for the run to a point and we hope that he will keep improving through the season.”
“He’s a Classic winner — he deserves the utmost respect for that — and he would be right up there with all the star milers that we have had over recent years.”
Aljamaaheer, who was third in the race in 2013, is set to line up for owner Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance, who is looking for a first Lockinge Trophy.
Another horse with a Dubai connection is the Marco Bitto-trained Moohaarib, the winner of a Listed race at Ascot last month, who represents Shaikh Mohammad Bin Khalifa Al Maktoum.
Saturday’s seven-race card boasts a total of £750,000 in prize money, making it the richest day’s racing in Newbury’s 110-year history, where three Listed contests add weight to the programme.
Latest odds:
Night Of Thunder (9/4), Integral (4/1), Toormore (7/1), Custom Cut (10/1), Moohaarib (14/1), Aljamaaheer (16/1), Cougar Mountain (16/1), Here Comes When (16/1), Tullius (16/1), Captain Cat (20/1), Trade Storm (20/1), Yuften (20/1), Arod (25/1), Breton Rock (25/1), Hors De Combat (25/1), Top Notch Tonto (25/1), Cable Bay (33/1), Master Carpenter (66/1)
