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| Staff Writer |
Lead Artist sprang a surprise in a stellar renewal of the Lockinge Stakes at Newbury, as Richard Hannon immediately set his sights on Royal Ascot redemption with the beaten Rosallion.
The John and Thady Gosden-trained winner reversed earlier seasonal form with Roger Teal's Dancing Gemini, who had to settle for second, beaten just a neck in another near-miss at Group One level.
Last season's classic protagonists Rosallion and Notable Speech filled the places behind them on their seasonal reappearances, finishing third and fourth respectively.
Rosallion, winner of the Gr.1 St James's Palace Stakes last term, was having his first start since that Royal Ascot triumph and drifted in the market before the off. Lack of match practice ultimately told as he finished two-and-a-quarter lengths behind the winner.
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Hannon, whose family boasts an exceptional record in Newbury's mile showpiece with previous winners including Paco Boy, Canford Cliffs, Olympic Glory and Night Of Thunder, remains bullish about Rosallion's Queen Anne prospects.
"He's an extremely good horse and will strip a lot fitter next time and will take a lot of beating at Ascot. I'm looking forward to Ascot," said Hannon.
"I think for all big owners and trainers, all roads lead to Ascot and especially with this horse it is almost impossible to get him to run his best race on his first race.
"He's a year older now but he did take a bit (of getting ready) last year and that may have just cost us a Guineas. But he's proved he's the horse he was last year and almost hit the front there and he will improve for it.
Also making his comeback was Notable Speech, who denied Rosallion in the 2000 Guineas last season before seeing the tables turned at Royal Ascot. Just a short head separated the pair at Newbury.
Charlie Appleby, training Notable Speech, is also eyeing another high-profile clash at the Royal meeting.
"I'm delighted and William said he showed all his old enthusiasm," said Appleby.
"He's travelled and you can see from Will's body language he's holding on to him and tracking the horse he felt was the right horse to go and attack.
"He just got tired in the last 200 yards but it will put him spot on for Ascot."
One of the early stars of the Flat season has undoubtedly been Dancing Gemini, who is still searching for an elusive top-level triumph having rattled the crossbar once again.
The Roger Teal runner had previously beaten Lead Artist by 13 lengths when winning the Mile at Sandown, but the tables were turned on faster ground.
"The winner has beaten us before and he obviously needed that race badly at Sandown. I did think he was well overpriced and not to be taken lightly," said Teal.
"The ground was rattling fast, Ryan said it was as quick as he's ever been on and just felt the ground might have beaten us.
"We don't duck and dive, he's only gone down a neck and he's put the rest of the field a good distance behind him.
"He had an awkward draw on the flank there (in stall one) so Ryan had to take him back to get a bit of cover, he said he was a little further back than he wanted to be but what else do you do when you're stuck out there?
"He's gone down on his sword and he hasn't let us down. He'll be a Group One winner on his day."