Spotlight on Saturday – Murphy shines on Lead Artist in Lockinge

Oisin Murphy was clearly the 'best available' rider for Lead Artist as John & Thady Gosden bagged Lockinge success at Newbury.

The Clarehaven training alliance vowed to use the best jockeys they can get on a race-by-race basis after expressing disappointment at Kieran Shoemark's ride on the Field Of Gold at Newmarket in the 2000 Guineas this month.

That meant champion jockey Murphy was called upon to saddle Lead Artist in the Lockinge and he delivered a 'peach of a ride' to get his first Group 1 win in the famous Juddmonte silks.

Lead Artist edged out Dancing Gemini in a high-quality Group 1 Lockinge Stakes, turning around form from Sandown last time out as the Gosden yard won the Newbury race for a fifth time.

"He's got a great deal of talent," said John Gosden, having watched Lead Artist reverse a 13-length deficit with the runner-up from the bet365 Mile. "They watered at Sandown before the end of the jumps season, and then it rained on top of that, so he got stuck in the mud last time but the race brought him on a lot.

Gosden praised Shoemark for his handling of Lead Artist at Sandown, before gushing about the ride Murphy delivered at Newbury.

"He got a peach of a ride from Oisin," said the winning trainer. "We discussed it before and he gave the horse some space. It was a perfect ride. Remember, this horse has won over nine furlongs, so whereas Ryan [Moore on Dancing Gemini] has come to get him, he had the stamina to come back again. This was a stiff test at a mile today and he has a reserve of talent."

Lockinge Analysis

Murphy got the nod on Lead Artist in the Lockinge and delivered in style. The Irishman could have opted to partner David Menuisier's Tamfana instead, after she was sent here instead of next weekend's Prix d'Ispahan.

"I was never going to jump off a Juddmonte horse [after committing]," said Murphy. "It's been a while since I won a Group 1 for Clarehaven and it's my first Group 1 victory for Juddmonte."

Lead Artist got to the lead at the two-furlong pole but Dancing Gemini was soon on the scene to challenge and go by. Murphy galvanised his partner and they stuck their necks in front again on the line.

"I was really taken aback by him. He has a great demeanour and showed a lot of guts against Dancing Gemini. He had a lot of stable confidence behind him and they did a great job preparing him," added Murphy.

"Ryan Moore beat me in a photo-finish in this race a few years ago, so it was nice to beat him today because it's quite rare." 

What's Next?

All roads seem to point to Royal Ascot and next month's Queen Anne Stakes. Roger Teal suggests Dancing Gemini will head there next and Richard Hannon has the race in mind for Rosallion, the Lockinge third.

John Gosden doesn't believe his charge needs a longer trip and has laid the foundations for a thrilling rematch as the Royal meeting gets underway on Tuesday 17th June.

"The Queen Anne is the next obvious step," said Gosden. "If it's nice ground that's where he'll go. When you look at his build and the way he's made, I think a mile and a quarter would be too much distance for him.

"He's got so much natural speed that the last thing he wants to be doing is going a mile and a quarter with an uphill finish. He's fast and I think the stiff mile of Ascot will suit him best."