Jamie Spencer deputises for Frankie Detorri on Noverre at Newbury this weekend
Jamie Spencer, currently in demand from both of racing’s superpowers, Godolphin and Ballydoyle, has the call from the Maktoum family’s Godolphin operation at Newbury on Saturday when he rides Noverre, the favourite, in the Juddmonte Lockinge Stakes.
The young Irish jockey deputised for the suspended Mick Kinane on board Ballydoyle’s Hawk Wing, runner-up in the 2000 Guineas a fortnight ago, and this time takes over from Frankie Dettori, who is also banned.
Noverre, first past the post in last season’s French 2000 Guineas and winner of the Sussex Stakesat Goodwood, looked set for another successful campaign when finishing second to Terre A Terre on his reappearance in Dubai in March.
Godolphin’s trainer Saeed Bin Suroor will have Noverre primed for this Group 1 mile event, which he haswon three times with Cape Cross, Fly To The Stars and Aljabr. Though it must be said, Cape Cross and Fly To The Stars were the stable’s second strings.
Summoner is there to ensure an even pace and it will not be lost on punters that when he entrusted with a similar task he lasted all the way home for a shock win in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot in September. Noverre was the stable companion toiling in his slipstream that day but don’t count on a repeat here.
Barry Hills’ horses are running into form and the Lambourn trainer is poised for a double with River Reine in the London Gold Cup and The Glen, who goes for the Tote Scoop6 Handicap.
Mark Johnston’s horses areon fire and he has sent Love Everlasting from North Yorkshire with great prospects of starting her season with a win in the Aston Park Stakes.
Looking ahead to the Derby
Mark Johnston meets Abdulla Al-Rostamani, owner of Bandari, in London on Saturday morning to discuss whether or not to pay £90,000 to supplement his runaway Lingfield Derby Trial winner into next month’s Derby. If they decide to take Bandari to Epsom, the premier classic will get a much-needed boost.
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