Star four-year-olds Galileo Gold and Ribchester head 12 confirmations for next Saturday's Group 1 Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes at Newbury.

Galileo Gold was the leading three-year-old miler in the first half of last season. He provided trainer Hugo Palmer and owner Al Shaqab Racing with a first British classic triumph in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket and also captured the St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Godolphin's Ribchester (Richard Fahey) has race fitness on his side, having finished third in the Dubai Turf over nine furlongs at Meydan in March. He gained the biggest victory of his career in the mile Prix Jacques Le Marois at Deauville in August, with Galileo Gold a well-beaten eighth, before taking second behind Minding in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes over a mile at Ascot in October.

Lightning Spear (David Simcock) was third behind Minding at Ascot following a deserved success in the Celebration Mile at Goodwood in August. Stablemate Breton Rock, a dual Group winner over seven furlongs, is also engaged.

Ireland's champion flat trainer Aidan O'Brien could be doubly represented by progressive filly Somehow and Group 2 Joel Stakes victor Cougar Mountain. Somehow looked as good as ever in the Group 2 Dahlia Stakes at Newmarket on May 7th.

Group 3 winner Dicton (Gianluca Bietolini) could fly the flag for France after finishing seventh in the QEII Cup at Sha Tin last month. The four-year-old Lawman colt was much improved for current connections last season, finishing third in two classics, the French 2,000 Guineas and the Prix du Jockey Club.

The acceptors also feature Aclaim (Martyn Meade) and Dutch Connection (Charlie Hills), who were both Group 2 victors over seven furlongs last season.

Ennaadd (Roger Varian), Mitchum Swagger (David Lanigan) and likely pacemaker Toscanini (Richard Fahey) complete the line-up.

CURRENT BETTING: 5/2 Ribchester, 3 Galileo Gold, 5 Somehow, 11/2 Lightning Spear, 10 Aclaim, 14 Dutch Connection, 16 Ennadd, 25 bar

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