Tuesday 12 May 2026 5:08 pm
Zeus to become King of Newbury on Lockinge Day
By: Bill Esdaile
Following three days of thrilling action on the Knavesmire, attention now turns to Newbury for a spectacular Saturday of Group One racing, headlined by the prestigious Lockinge Stakes (2.35pm).
The Earl of Sefton winner Damysus currently leads the ante-post markets, and while his performance was undoubtedly impressive, he must step up his game to claim victory here. However, one horse that has garnered significant support in recent days is the Karl Burke-trained ZEUS OLYMPIOS, and I am eager to back him.
Zeus Olympios boasts an unbeaten record as a three-year-old, having won four of his five career starts. He made his seasonal reappearance in the competitive Bet365 Mile at Sandown, where he was beaten by Opera Ballo and Field Of Gold. Nevertheless, the betting suggested he was not fully tuned up for that assignment, and he should strip fitter for this race. Over Newbury's easier mile, where speed is at a premium, the conditions will suit him perfectly. At odds of 3/1, he represents excellent value and is worth snapping up.
Later in the card, the London Gold Cup (3.45pm) looks typically competitive. I am aiming two darts at this contest. The first is SAHARA KING. He caught my eye when running on strongly at this track two starts ago behind the high-class Maltese Cross. I feel he can be forgiven for his next start, where he appeared uncomfortable on the undulations of Newmarket. There must be a race in him off a mark of 95, so 8/1 is a nice each-way price.
My other selection is Ballydoyle's PORT OF SPAIN. While an opening mark of 103 appears steep at first glance, he hinted at ability in Group races late last season. This is as much a price play as anything else; if he is declared with Ryan Moore aboard, the 8/1 will be long gone.
Pointers for Saturday
- Zeus Olympios – 2.35pm Newbury
- Sahara King (each-way) – 3.45pm Newbury
- Port Of Spain (each-way) – 3.45pm Newbury
