Peeress Simply Superb in Lockinge

Champion trainer Sir Michael Stoute's horses have been winning at an impressive 40% rate during the month of May. On Saturday at Newbury, Peeress added to that total, with an impressive 1 ¾-length victory in the Juddmonte Lockinge Stakes (Eng-I).

Peeress became just the third filly or mare to win the Lockinge Stakes in its nearly 50-year history. The victory was the mare's second career group 1 win. In 2005, the 5-year-old chestnut daughter of Pivotal won the Sun Chariot Stakes (Eng-I).

Saturday's victory was trainer Stoute's seventh in the Lockinge. Owner Cheveley Park Stud has now won the race six times, and jockey Kieren Fallon three. Both of Fallon's previous wins were aboard Cheveley Park-owned, Stoute-trained horses: Medicean in 2001 and the filly, Russian Rhythm, in 2004.

Fallon had Peeress running mid-pack during the early stages of the race. The pair hit the front with just over a furlong left, and had plenty left in the tank to hold off the late running Majors Cast. Court Masterpiece held on for third, with the filly Soviet Song fourth.

Royal Ascot is the next likely target for Peeress. Stoute told the Racing Post, "Last year Peeress improved throughout the season. She did it as a 4-year-old and now she has upped a gear again. Once Kieren asked her to go she won it quickly. I would think the Queen Anne (Eng-I) would be the next step."