Lightning Spear's age not an issue for Murphy in Queen Anne Stakes

OISIN MURPHY believes the ultra-consistent Lightning Spear can defy his advancing years and claim a long-overdue Group One success in the Queen Anne Stakes, Royal Ascot's traditional curtain-raiser.
Oisin Murphy rides Lightning Spear in today's Royal Ascot curtain-raiser.Oisin Murphy rides Lightning Spear in today's Royal Ascot curtain-raiser.
Oisin Murphy rides Lightning Spear in today's Royal Ascot curtain-raiser.

Lightning Spear was only denied by Aidan O’Brien’s Rhododendron in Newbury’s Lockinge Stakes by a photo-finish last month and the rematch is just one of a number of fascinating sub-plots in a line-up that also features Benbatl, who provided Murphy with a first Royal Ascot success 12 months ago.

Murphy was also in the saddle when Benbatl enjoyed Group One success at Dubai’s World Cup meeting, but the 22-year-old’s retainer with Qatar Racing means he partners Lightning Spear in today’s race which forms part of the Qipco British Champions Series.

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The seven-year-old Lightning Spear would become the oldest Queen Anne winner since Welsh Rake, who was eight when winning in 1963, but Murphy, who has ridden him on 18 occasions, believes all his powers remain intact.

Oisin Murphy won on Benbatl at Royal Ascot last year.Oisin Murphy won on Benbatl at Royal Ascot last year.
Oisin Murphy won on Benbatl at Royal Ascot last year.

“He ran right up to the figure he ran up to in last year’s Lockinge, if not better, and so his age doesn’t bother me,” he said. “The fact that he’s officially rated as high now as he’s ever been is testament to David Simcock and his team. I’m told the horse has been freshened up and is in great form. Hopefully he will run a massive race.

“I know him like the back of my hand, which can only be an advantage in races like this. He’s been so unlucky not to win a Group One – meeting such as last year’s winner Ribchester and Minding at their peak – and hopefully he will have his day in the sun soon. We were delighted with his run in the Lockinge but to get beaten in a tight photo finish is never ideal.”

Murphy is also full of respect for Benbatl, who will attempt to provide Saeed Bin Suroor with an eighth win in the race. “I saw him on Wednesday and he looks great,” said the jockey. “I think the Queen Anne is the right race for him. The straight mile at Ascot will be fine for him and this is possibly his year. He’s a four-year-old now and he is certainly one of the main protagonists.”

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Meanwhile, Wesley Ward is anticipating a “great race” between last year’s winner Lady Aurelia and the new kid on the sprinting block Battaash in the King’s Stand Stakes.

Having also won the Queen Mary Stakes two years ago, Frankie Dettori’s mount Lady Aurelia is chasing a Royal Ascot hat-trick and the American runner faces a sprinter at the top of his game in Battaash.

“She’s bucking and kicking, which is just what you want to see as she’ll need to be every bit as good as she ever was to get the job done again,” said Ward. “She loves it here and she thrives here. She’s doing great.

“This is horse racing. She’s a bit older than Battaash, who is a gelding. It should be a great race and that’s what racing is all about.”

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Charlie Hills has already had one top-class sprinter through his hands in his short career in Muhaarar and now has another with Battaash, whose only disappointment last year came when he boiled over in the Nunthorpe Stakes.

His victory in the Prix de l’Abbaye marked him down as an exceptional prospect. “We’re very pleased with him. He had to do it the hard way at Haydock and probably just got a little bit tired in the last 50 yards,” said Hills of his comeback win.

“He had a nice quiet week after that and seems to have freshened up nicely.”

The vanquished at Haydock included the veteran Take Cover who reappears at Beverley tonightfor Bawtry trainer David Griffiths who is hopeful that his evergreen stable star can concede 12lb to each of his four rivals.

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He said: “We were thinking of going to Ireland with him (Midsummer Sprint Stakes at Naas), but this race fits in better.

“He’s got a lot of weight, but the ground will be ideal and it looks tailor-made for him. He’s the class horse and shouldn’t really be getting beat. He’s getting back to where he was last year and he’s lost that bit of weight that he needed to.”

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