The decision-making skills of Aidan O’Brien are often what sets him apart from the rest and switching Rhododendron back to a mile proved a winning tactic in the Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes at Newbury on Saturday.

Having finished fourth on her return in the Prix Ganay over an extended 10 furlongs last month, last year’s 1000 Guineas and Oaks runner-up claimed the third Group 1 success of her career when becoming the first filly since Red Evie in 2007 to lift the mile showpiece.

For a moment it looked as though Lightning Spear was going to go one better than in 2017 and break his duck at the top table, but it was not to be, with the 100/30 favourite holding on by a short head to give O’Brien his second victory in the race after the mighty Hawk Wing in 2003.

O’Brien said: “I was delighted, because she had run well either way. She probably got there little bit early and she was left there a bit lonely and left there a bit by herself, but Ryan (Moore) gave her a brilliant ride. She is brave and stuck her head out and toughed it out. I was delighted really.

“It was a worry coming back to a mile. We thought the last day in France she travelled well through the race, John’s (Gosden) horse (Cracksman) won and won well, but we were always going a step slower than we would have liked through the race.

“If you looked you would have thought she would be happy going a gear or two higher and that often suggests they have plenty of pace.

“One day in France she bled the worst you’ve ever seen in the Oaks (Prix de Diane). I’ve never seen anything bleed so bad. It was the most unbelievable thing of all – she exploded in the race and sprayed blood all over the jockeys.

“She got very faint in herself and it is very rare you see a horse come back from that.

“She ran very well in Ireland on Champion Stakes day and won in France on Arc day after that. She is an incredible filly and has never done it before or since.”

Regarding future plans, O’Brien added: “We were thinking of coming here, then going to Ascot. She would have the option of going the mile (Queen Anne) at Ascot or the mile and a quarter (Prince of Wales’s Stakes).”

Winning jockey Moore, who was celebrating his first Lockinge victory, had nothing but praise for O’Brien’s his role in getting the winner back to her best.

He said: “She’s been a great filly at two, three and now four. It’s testament to everyone who puts in the hard work at home. She’s been unfortunate not to have won more in her time.

“She’s very adaptable with ground, distance and has got a great attitude.

“I thought she had a massive chance today. It’s a great achievement by Aidan.”

As for the David Simcock-trained Lightning Spear, a potential rematch at Royal Ascot could be on the cards should connections of the winner opt to go for the Queen Anne.

Simcock said: “I’ve not had the wind taken out of me for a long time and that has taken the wind out of me slightly. I’m very proud of the horse. Oisin Murphy has given him a fantastic ride. He counted to five before he went. It is just so frustrating. I would imagine he will go to Ascot now, as that is the normal scenario.”

CRYSTAL CLEAR

Crystal Ocean proved a class above his rivals when taking a step back up in trip in his stride to run riot in the Al Rayyan (Aston Park) Stakes.

After making a winning a return over 10 furlongs at Sandown last month, the Sir Michael Stoute-trained four year old showed his versatility with an impressive display in this Group 3 mile and-a-half prize.

Taking command inside the final two furlongs, the Sea The Stars colt quickly put distance between himself and his rivals before crossing the line six lengths clear of runner-up Second Step.

Stoute said of the 2/5 winner: “We expected him to win. He is a very consistent, progressive and versatile horse and we hoped he could win that. He has got good form over 10 and 12 furlongs and he has been second in a St Leger.

“He is a joy to train. We’ve got him in the Prince of Wales’s, Hardwicke and Eclipse. We are going to try to work it out, but we don’t need to decide today.”

Roger Charlton, trainer of the runner-up, stated that a potential rematch with the winner at Royal Ascot will not be on the agenda for the seven-year-old.

He said: “I’m really pleased and yet again he has run a consistent race. All my horses are running like they need it, but he was beaten by a good horse.

“We will stick to listed and Group 3 level. We are not going to run at Royal Ascot in the Hardwicke.”

CLASSIC CONTENDER

Sea Of Class emerged as a possible Classic contender with an impressive victory in the Haras De Bouquetot Fillies’ Trial Stakes.

The William Haggas-trained daughter of Sea The Stars, who holds entries in the Oaks and Ribblesdale Stakes, stepped up on her debut a month ago when she was a promising second.

James Doyle had Sea Of Class (9/4) towards the rear until asking her for a move from three furlongs.

She laid down a challenge to Athena in the final quarter-mile and gained the upper hand in the final furlong to win by two lengths. The leading pair pulled five lengths clear of Crystal Hope in third place.

“She is a very nice filly. She is a bit of a character and she can kick and buck,” said Haggas’ wife and assistant, Maureen.

“She has been brilliant today, but she can be quite aggressive. She has improved a lot for her first run.

“Dancing Rain got beat in this race and won the Oaks (in 2011). I think she is bit short on experience (for the Oaks). In an ideal world you would like to give her a bit more time and be kind to her.

“She has got a bit of a mind on her and we would not want to upset her. All that hoo-ha at Epsom – whether she would quite make that I’m not sure and it’s only in two weeks’ time.

“Maybe she will go to Ascot, we will see what the owner wants to do.”

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