Steve Ryder previews the Lockinge Stakes 2026 and picks out his best bet.
The Lockinge Stakes is a Group 1 contest run over one mile at Newbury, taking place this year on Saturday 16th May at 2:35. A field of thirteen runners is currently entered for what looks a competitive renewal.
Lockinge Stakes Winners, Trends & Stats
The race often acts as a stepping stone towards the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot, with Frankel the last to complete the double in 2012. Notable multiple winners include Pall Mall (1958 & 1959), Welsh Pageant (1970 & 1971), and Soviet Line (1995 & 1996).
- 12 of the previous 12 winners had a rating of 114 or higher
- 11 of the previous 12 winners had already won over a mile
- 10 of the previous 12 winners were beaten on their previous start
- 9 of the previous 12 winners were aged 4
- 8 of the previous 12 winners had already won a Group 1
Lockinge Stakes 2026 Runners Guide
DAMYSUS
Progressive four-year-old colt who has won his last three starts since finishing last in the Derby. The son of Frankel made an impressive seasonal return in the Group 3 Earl Of Sefton Stakes at Newmarket over 1m1f, winning by 3¾ lengths. While the runner-up hasn’t boosted the form since, he still holds strong claims for a yard that has won the last two renewals.
ZEUS OLYMPIOS
Karl Burke’s four-year-old lost his unbeaten record when third on reappearance in the Group 2 bet365 Mile at Sandown behind Opera Ballo and Field Of Gold. Prior to that, he had won all four starts, including beating Opera Ballo by 2¼ lengths at Newmarket last season at level weights.
NOTABLE SPEECH
The 2024 2000 Guineas winner finished fourth in this race last season on his reappearance. Now a five-year-old, the Charlie Appleby-trained runner ended last season with two Grade 1 wins in Woodbine and at the Breeders’ Cup. He was unlucky not to win on return at Keeneland, repeatedly denied a clear run.
OPERA BALLO
Another progressive four-year-old who reversed form with Zeus Olympios when making all in the bet365 Mile at Sandown. Race fitness likely played a part after two wins in Meydan, but he was also conceding weight that day and would meet Zeus Olympios on 2lb better terms here.
THE LION IN WINTER
Connections have supplemented Mississippi River as a pacemaker to ensure a strong gallop. Unbeaten at two, he endured a frustrating three-year-old campaign before returning to form with a Listed win in the Heritage Stakes at Leopardstown, beating stablemate Expanded by half a length.
MORE THUNDER
A five-year-old who thrived after dropping back in trip last season following his move to William Haggas. He won four of six starts, including the Hungerford Stakes over 7f at this track. His fourth in the Prix de la Forêt suggested a step up to a mile could suit, especially given prior form over 1m2f earlier in his career.
Lockinge Stakes 2026 Trainers & Jockeys to Watch
John & Thady Gosden have dominated recent renewals, winning three of the last five with Palace Pier (2021), Audience (2024), and Lead Artist (2025).
William Buick has been the standout jockey in recent years, winning aboard Ribchester (2017) and Modern Games (2023).
Lockinge Stakes 2026 Odds
| Horse | Odds |
|---|---|
| Damysus | 5/2 |
| Zeus Olympios | 3/1 |
| Notable Speech | 7/2 |
| The Lion In Winter | 8/1 |
| Opera Ballo | 10/1 |
| More Thunder | 14/1 |
| Sahlan | 14/1 |
| Jonquil | 20/1 |
| Expanded | 33/1 |
| Ciceros Gift | 40/1 |
| Dancing Gemini | 40/1 |
| Gladius | 50/1 |
| Mississippi River | 100/1 |
Lockinge Stakes 2026 Tips
SAHLAN (best priced at 16/1) is the only runner to match all five key trends outlined above. Trainer Francis-Henri Graffard enjoyed a standout campaign last season with 13 Group/Grade 1 wins and has continued in strong form this year.
Sahlan beat Rosallion and The Lion In Winter in the Group 1 Prix du Moulin before finishing fifth in the Breeders’ Cup Mile, where he was arguably disadvantaged by his position in running. The decision to return here fresh is notable, and he looks overpriced based on both form and trends.
Recommended Bet: SAHLAN 16/1 (1pt WIN)
