Pace and Draw Angles

The predicted pace is even. With no draw bias on the straight mile at Newbury, race positioning will likely have a greater impact than stall placement. Strong travellers with a finishing kick, especially those held up off the pace, often fare best here. In this renewal, the tempo should suit those like Tamfana, who finishes late, while Fallen Angel, who usually races prominently, may be vulnerable if the leaders overdo it.


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Strongest Contenders (Timeform Ratings in brackets)

Rosallion (138) – Dual Group 1 winner last season (Irish 2000 Guineas, St James’s Palace) and returns fresh after missing the backend of 2024 due to a respiratory issue. A proven top-level miler with a high cruising speed and a turn of foot. Trained by Richard Hannon, who has won this race twice in the past decade.

Notable Speech (137) – 2000 Guineas and Sussex Stakes winner in 2024. Consistent and unbeaten at Newbury. Finished third in the Breeders’ Cup Mile when last seen in November. Highly reliable and proven against the best.

Tamfana (137) – High-class filly who won the Group 1 Sun Chariot Stakes last year. Made a very pleasing return when second to Dancing Gemini in the Sandown Mile, closing late. More favourably weighted against that rival here.

Dancing Gemini (136) – Progressive 4yo with two stylish wins this spring, including when beating Tamfana. Has a fluent action and has improved for a mile trip. Respected, but now meets stronger opposition.

Lead Artist (136) – Ended last season strongly with a Group 3 win. Flopped at Sandown but might have needed the run. Represents the Gosden yard, successful twice in the past decade.



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Main Dangers and Interesting Outsiders

Fallen Angel (135) – Won the Irish 1000 Guineas and ran a solid fourth in the Prix de l’Opera. Might face pressure up front and has a profile of underperforming when strongly backed.

Persica (130) – In good form, having won the Earl of Sefton last month. Step up in class, but continues to progress. Capable of sneaking into the places with the right set-up.

Checkandchallenge (123) – Consistent Group 2/3 level performer but well exposed and held by several of these. Likely playing for minor honours if any.



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Trainer Trends

Richard Hannon (Rosallion) – 2 wins in last 10 renewals (2020, 2023).

John & Thady Gosden (Lead Artist) – Also with 2 wins in the same period (2021, 2022).

Charlie Appleby (Notable Speech) has an exceptional record in British Group 1 mile races but is yet to win this specific race.



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Ratings (Marks out of 10)

Rosallion – 9

Notable Speech – 9

Tamfana – 8

Dancing Gemini – 8

Lead Artist – 7

Fallen Angel – 7

Persica – 6

Checkandchallenge – 5

Prague – NR


Note: All runners are returning from layoffs of over 90 days except for Dancing Gemini, Tamfana, and Persica. Market moves should be closely monitored, especially for those returning from breaks.


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Significant Timeform Comments

Tamfana is flagged as the “Horse in Focus”.

Notable Speech has top-level form and was best horse in the 2024 2000 Guineas and Sussex Stakes.

Rosallion’s lightly raced profile could offer scope for more despite already being a dual Group 1 winner.

Fallen Angel is flagged for trading shorter in-running than Betfair SP when beaten—caution advised if she’s heavily supported.



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Tissue Estimate (100% book)

Rosallion – 3/1

Notable Speech – 7/2

Tamfana – 4/1

Dancing Gemini – 9/2

Lead Artist – 10/1

Fallen Angel – 12/1

Persica – 14/1

Checkandchallenge – 66/1



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This shapes as a high-quality edition of the Lockinge with several classic winners reappearing. The proven Group 1 form of Rosallion and Notable Speech makes them the ones to beat, but the late-running Tamfana is a genuine danger on form and race shape.