Steve Jones offers his expert selections for Saturday's ITV flat racing action, with a focus on the Boyle Sports Lockinge Stakes at Newbury. The French-trained SAHLAN (2.35) is tipped to shine in the Group 1 contest over one mile.
Lockinge Stakes Selection
SAHLAN, trained by Francis-Henri Graffard, developed into a top-class miler last season and is expected to improve further this year. After winning a Group 3 at Deauville last summer, he held off Rosallion and The Lion In Winter to land the Group 1 Prix du Moulin de Longchamp in September. His fifth-place finish in the Breeders' Cup Mile at Del Mar, where the tight turns did not suit him, confirmed his top-level credentials. The straight course at Newbury should play to his strengths, making him a strong contender at 11-1. A 2pt each-way bet is recommended.
Carnarvon Stakes Pick
ARDISIA (3.10) is considered overpriced in the Highclere Castle Gin Carnarvon Stakes. Despite extensive racing as a two-year-old, he improved consistently. The 7f trip of the Greenham Stakes stretched his stamina on his seasonal debut, but he showed better form when fourth in the Group 3 Commonwealth Cup Trial at Ascot recently. This Listed contest looks suitable, and a 1pt each-way bet at 12-1 is advised, with some bookmakers paying four places.
Newmarket Handicap Tips
At Newmarket, SHAH (2.50) could prove a class above if returning to form after an 18-month absence. His smart two-year-old form, including a runner-up finish in the strong Convivial Maiden at York's Ebor Festival, makes him well treated. He has undergone a breathing operation and been gelded. A 1pt each-way bet at 9-1 is recommended, with most firms offering four places.
FINAL NIGHT (1.42) is also worth backing on the same card. He won four times on the all-weather during the winter, but his second in a strong handicap at Newmarket's Guineas Festival represented a personal best. With apprentice Jack Callan taking off an extra 3lbs, a repeat of that effort should see him go close. A 1pt each-way bet at 10-1 is advised, with several bookies offering four places.
