PETER CHAPPLE HYAM can end a modest week on a high note by landing the Group One Juddmonte Lockinge Stakes with Spectrum at Newbury today. The Manton trainer had a disappointing time at York with the defeat of Classic hopes Sea Spray, Astor Place and highly rated Nash House, the last named returning sick after failing to live up to his billing in the Dante Stakes.
Nash House's half brother Spectrum does not need to trade on reputation. He proved himself one of the best colts in training last year with wins in the Irish 2,000 Guineas and Dubai Champion Stakes, quickening in highly impressive fashion to account for Riyadian in the latter.
Little should be read into his defeat in the Prix Ganay at Longchamp last month. The four year old looked set to land his third Group One win until lack of fitness told against him in the final furlong and the outing will have put him spot on for today.
Best bet for the forecast could be Smart Alec who ran a blinder to finish a close second in last month's Earl of Sefton Stakes at Newmarket on his first outing for nearly two years. He seems likely to develop into the smart performer he promised as a two year old.
The card's two feature handicaps could both provide compensation to horses denied all chance by trouble in running on their latest starts.
Al's Alibi is certainly better than he was able to show last time at Chester where he was badly hampered just as he was launching his challenge at the distance.
He had previously scored in good style here and the booking of in form Michael Kinane for the London Gold Cup Rated Stakes will only help him reproduce that form today.
Sir Joey is worth another chance in the six furlong Winchester Handicap. After a fine second of 24 to Jayannpee - a good winner again since - at Newmarket on 2,000 Guineas day he was fancied to go one place better at Bath last week only to be denied a run at a crucial stage.
His capable apprentice rider Steven Drowne should have less trouble obtaining a clear passage on this more galloping course. The Newmarket third Perrystown View can also hit winning form in the Dibb Lupton Broomhead Cup Handicap at Thirsk.
Handicap specialist Reg Akehurst can land a double at Newbury tomorrow with Tregaron and Kadamann.
He has already worked the trick with Tregaron who showed no more than fair form in three seasons with Peter Calver. The Epsom trainer had him fully primed for his reappearance at Ascot where he put in a much improved display to land a 31 runner handicap. He should follow up in the Mail On Sunday Mile Handicap.
Kadamann can emulate his new stable companion with a successful Flat debut for Akehurst in the By Jeeves Rated Stakes.
