Juddmonte Lockinge Stakes

There has been a degree of uncertainty as to whether Soviet Song will be going to post for the Juddmonte Lockinge Stakes at Newbury on Saturday, but this hasn't deterred Paddy Power from installing James Fanshawe's stable star as the 9/4 favourite for the Group 1 contest. She is much the best horse in the race but she has been beaten on her seasonal appearance for the last three seasons and her trainer has been pretty forthcoming in indicating that she peaks after she's had a run or two. As such, she's well worth taking on with the race-fit Rocamadour, who is drastically over-priced at 14/1 in Paddy Power's ante-post book. Admittedly, Mick Channon's charge has been beaten twice already this season, in lesser races than this. However, there can be little doubt that, if he puts his best foot forward, he has the ability to win a race of this nature, and is well worth chancing at current odds. Bizarrely, the son of Celtic Swing is almost three times the price of the Sir Michael Stoute-trained duo Peeress and Rob Roy, neither of whom are able to boast form anywhere near as strong as Rocamadour's career-best effort in the French Derby at Chantilly where he was beaten under one length into fourth (subsequently placed third) behind the brilliant pair, Shamardal and Hurricane Run. Sure, that race resulted in a bunch finish and there were plenty of hard luck stories. But the Salem Suhail-owned colt has demonstrated on more than one occasion that he's bordering on top class. Indeed, he was beaten just one length into third in the Prix Jean Prat and lost no caste in defeat, again behind the retired Shamardal, when fourth in the St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot at York last season. The selection enjoys bowling along in front and should have the requisite early toe to grab the lead in front of fellow front-runners Kandidate and New Seeker. In a race full of ifs and buts, and in which Soviet Song is unlikely to be at her best, Rocamadour might just stay in front all the way to the line. Majors Cast coasted home in an egg and spoon race at Haydock on his reappearance and is bound to be on the premises. He proved himself at the highest level last season, notably when finishing under three lengths third to subsequent QEII hero Starcraft in the Prix du Moulin at Longchamp in September. It's best to watch the market with regards to Stoute's duo, although I am really bewildered by the fact that Rob Roy is as short as 5/1, and rate Peeress much the bigger threat of the pair, while the likes of Mac Love and Court Masterpiece are not without each-way claims, but neither boast the credentials of a potential winner of this prestigious event. Recommended bet: 0.50 pts win Rocamadour @ 14/1 (Paddy Power )