Lambourn facing stern examination on seasonal reappearance

Dual Derby winner Lambourn returns to the place that saw him spring to prominence last year when he runs in the Deepbridge Huxley Stakes at Chester on Friday.

This time last season he had finished second to stablemate Delacroix in the Ballysax, but he gave a clear indication of his ability when holding off Lazy Griff in the Chester Vase.

The same two horses then dominated the finish to the Derby at Epsom, with Lambourn going on to follow up in the Irish equivalent.

Following a summer break he was beaten in the Great Voltigeur under a penalty before finishing third in the St Leger behind stablemate Scandinavia. He drops to 10 and a half furlongs for his return, with cheekpieces fitted for the first time.

According to official figures his main rival is the George Scott-trained Bay City Roller.

He ended last season with a seven-length win in Group One company in Germany and has been rerouted from Newmarket last week.

Billy Jackson-Stops, racing manager for owners Victorious Racing, said: “The Jockey Club, albeit it looked a very good opportunity, the ground did get very quick. We’re not adverse to running on ground better than good but we just thought we’d be better safe than sorry at the start of the season.

“He’s not adverse to having a go on it if it’s a bit quicker than good, (but) we’re very conscious that’s it’s the beginning of the year and we don’t want to go on something he might not enjoy.

“We’re pretty excited about taking on Lambourn. We really think our fella is in really good form so we’re keen to run him and we think Chester would suit him.

“If he runs well then Ireland (Tattersalls Gold Cup) is on the agenda.”

James Fanshawe’s mare Sky Safari has been a real improver on the all-weather, culminating in Winter Derby success. She now needs to transfer that form to turf.

Owner Mary Slack’s racing manager Hugo Lascelles said: “James is very pleased with her, we just need to see if she takes to the turf this time.

“She’s been improving all the time, from three to four and then again as a five-year-old she has come forward.

“It’s a big ask and it will be a pretty tough race for her, but we need to see which direction we need to go in this season.”

King’s Gambit is without a win since being bought by Wathnan Racing after winning the London Gold Cup but has run some good races for Harry Charlton.

“We were delighted with his run behind Damysus at Newmarket and he’s sure to have stepped forward for that,” said racing adviser Richard Brown.

“We are slightly worried about whether the track will suit him, but it fits nicely for him time-wise.

“We’re taking it race by race with him this season, so we will go here and see what happens after that.”