2026 Lockinge Stakes Tips - Balding's outsider could spring Group One surprise
The 2026 Lockinge Stakes is set to feature an exciting line-up of proven Group One performers, including favourites Damysus and Zeus Olympios. Jonquil, who impressed in his reappearance, emerges as a strong value each-way bet at odds of 14/1, especially if the ground is not too soft. Recent history shows that reappearance winners fare well and a decent draw alongside good ground could let Jonquil surprise the field. Bettors are advised to consider Jonquil for a solid each-way return.
- Odds and betting predictions for the 2026 Lockinge Stakes
- This Group One takes place at Newbury on Saturday 16th May
- Jonquil is our each-way selection at 14/1
The first Group One for older horses staged during the British flat season is the historic Lockinge Stakes. This one-mile event has been won by legendary names since it's creation in the 1950s, including the likes of Brigadier Gerard, Selkirk and Frankel.
Here's our free guide to the 2026 Lockinge Stakes, including our best betting tips.
2026 Lockinge Stakes Odds
| Name | Odds |
|---|---|
| Damysus | 3/1 |
| Zeus Olympios | 7/2 |
| Notable Speech | 6/1 |
| The Lion In Winter | 13/2 |
| Sahlan | 11/1 |
| Bar | 14/1 |
2026 Lockinge Stakes Entries
Damysus tops the betting for Saturday's Lockinge. John and Thady Gosden's star ran poorly in the Epsom Derby last term, but has won all three of his starts since, including an impressive reappearance victory in the Earl Of Sefton.
Zeus Olympios was unbeaten at three, winning the Joel Stakes on his final outing, and shaped well when third on his reappearance in the bet365 Mile. Charlie Appleby is represented by former 2000 Guineas winner Notable Speech - a luckless fourth on his first start of the year in America.
Aidan O'Brien is set to keep Heritage Stakes winner The Lion In Winter over a mile this season. William Haggas' More Thunder will make his Group One debut over a mile. Francis Graffard has confirmed Prix du Moulin winner Sahlan in the field.
Jonquil returns to Group One company after an impressive reappearance victory in the Paradise Stakes. Jason Watson rides shock QEII winner Cicero's Gift for Charlie Hills.
Dancing Gemini is one of the market backmarkers, despite finishing a close second in this race 12 months ago. Aidan O'Brien's second string, Mississippi River is the rank outsider, and will likely act as pacemaker for the stable's main contender.
2026 Lockinge Stakes Tips
The two market leaders have been drawn on opposite flanks. Horses have managed to win the Lockinge from both low and high draws, but stalls one and ten could prove to be tricky.
Only two of the last nine winners of this Group One were having their first starts of the season - and one of those was the great Baaeed. The Lion In Winter won nicely on his reappearance, and his extra staying power could prove important if enough rain gets into the Newbury ground.
If the word "soft" does not appear in the going description, then I could see JONQUIL (16/1) outrunning his odds. Andrew Balding's star has shown flashes of top-class ability throughout his career, and returned to action with an impressive triumph at Ascot.
Jonquil won on his reappearance at Newbury last season too, before losing out by just a head in the French Guineas at Longchamp. Balding then experimented with shorter trips before Jonquil bounced back to winning ways in the Celebration Mile at Goodwood, and rounded his campaign off with a couple of decent runs in America.
Having raced keenly on his seasonal return out in Dubai, Colin Keane managed to settle Jonquil better in the Paradise Stakes. Once asked for an effort, Balding's star put that Listed race to bed very easily, beating Holloway Boy and Remmooz by a comfortable margin.
Keane will have to slot in again from a low draw in stall two, and decent ground will be crucial to his chances. If everything goes to plan, then I do think Jonquil is good enough to mount a challenge, and odds of 14/1 could underestimate his chances.
Visit our Lockinge Stakes Live Stream page if you want to watch any of Saturday's races via a mobile or tablet.
Live Stream
Visit our Lockinge Stakes Live Stream page if you want to watch any of Saturday's races via a mobile or tablet.
Verdict
Jonquil is our value bet in the 2026 Lockinge Stakes.
Jonquil E/W
2026 Lockinge Stakes Tips
@14/1 - 5 Units
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