At The Races professional Declan Rix insists worldwide Grade One star Modern Games is the one to beat in a wide-open renewal of the Lockinge Stakes at Newbury.
The Charlie Appleby-trained four-year-old loved an excellent globetrotting 2022, successful Group One races in France, USA and Canada together with the French 2000 Guineas.
And whereas he has ran with credit score within the UK, he is but to style top-level glory on dwelling turf however Saturday might properly be his finest likelihood at Newbury and not using a celebrity in opposition like 2022 winner Baaeed.
My Prospero, Laurel and Mutasaabeq will all present an honest take a look at, however Rix has made the case that the Godolphin contender might bag a maiden British Grade One this weekend.
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Modern Games finishes properly away from the remainder of the sphere within the Woodbine Mile
“I believe Modern Games is the one for me,” Rix informed the Weekend Winners digital present. “He’s a very likeable horse and put collectively an unbelievable CV final 12 months.
“He received the French Guineas, the Woodbine Mile, the Breeders’ Cup Mile and was second to Baaeed within the Sussex Stakes.
“He had a significantly good 12 months. It was slightly bit disappointing he was crushed final trip within the Makers Mark Mile at Keeneland however he simply seemed very rusty to me.
“Once William Buick bought him straightened out within the straight, he actually did fly dwelling late and time would possibly inform that he was crushed by an excellent horse.
“He’s only a likeable, sincere, easy horse with an excellent structure. 11/4 or 3/1 is unquestionably as little as I’d wish to go however the floor is absolutely coming for him.
“He actually does like to listen to his hooves rattle. Laurel is by Kingman and she or he’s fairly low to the bottom so she would possibly want a little bit of juice [in the ground].
“My Prospero handles every kind of floor however he would possibly need rain to make it a stamina take a look at.
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Mutasaabeq and Jim Crowley win at Newmarket
“I do not see an terrible lot of tempo. Mutasaabeq and Chindit will go ahead however I believe they will sit and dash so it’s going to develop into a tactical renewal.
“Modern Games is tactically versatile and floor versatile so I believe he is the one to beat. 3/1 is the bottom I’d go however he is the one to beat and the circumstances are coming proper for him.”
