'It's extremely open' - Simcock takes aim at Lockinge with Light Infantry

David Simcock believes the open nature of Saturday's Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes (3.35) brings the consistent Light Infantry into the mix as the trainer targets his first success in the Newbury Group 1.

Simcock twice went close to winning the Lockinge with Lightning Spear beaten a short head by Rhododendron in 2018, a year after finishing second to Ribchester in a race when stablemate Breton Rock was third.

Light Infantry on Thursday featured in a final field of 13 for the first Group 1 contest for older horses in the British season alongside market leaders Modern Games and Laurel.

Twice second in French Group 1s last summer, Light Infantry finished third on his comeback in the bet365 Mile behind runaway winner Mutasaabeq, who reopposes in the Lockinge.

"He's come out of his last race well and I was pleased enough with it as he went through the line strongly," Simcock said. "The winner probably got his own way on a pace bias track last time and was very good on the day, but there are plenty of others to worry about as well. 

"It's an extremely open race that probably lacks a standout and our horse is consistent, very hardy and game and generally runs his race."

Modern Games was drawn highest of all in 13 as he aims to add a first domestic Group 1 to his four international victories at the highest level.

The Charlie Appleby-trained colt has won twice at the Breeders' Cup and gained top-level wins in Canada and France, but he was second to Baaeed in the Sussex Stakes and Bayside Boy in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes last season.

The mount of William Buick, Modern Games will be Godolphin's sole representative in a race they have won a record eight times after Tribalist was one of three horses to be scratched along with Angel Bleu and Cash.

Appleby and Buick have a strong hand on the supporting card at Newbury, teaming up with Noble Style in Listed Carnarvon Stakes (1.50) and Yibir in the Group 3 Al Rayyan Stakes (2.25).

Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes

Coral 11-4 Modern Games, 100-30 Laurel, 9-2 My Prospero, 13-2 Mutasaabeq, 8 Jadoomi, 11 Light Infantry, 18 Chindit, 20 Checkandchallenge, 25 Triple Time, 33 Berkshire Shadow, 40 Lusail, 50 Jumby, The 100 Wizard Of Eye

Confirmed runners and riders for the Lockinge

Berkshire Shadow Oisin Murphy (draw 7)
Checkandchallenge Andrea Atzeni (2)
Chindit Pat Dobbs (6)
Jadoomi James Doyle (1)
Jumby Charles Bishop (4)
Light Infantry Jamie Spencer (11)
Lusail Ryan Moore (9)
Modern Games William Buick (13)
Mutasaabeq Jim Crowley (3)
My Prospero Tom Marquand (12)
The Wizard Of Eye Kieran Shoemark (8)
Triple Time Neil Callan (10)
Laurel Frankie Dettori (5)

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