Rhododendron and Lancaster Bomber Lockinge bound

Rhododendron will tackle the Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes on Saturday. Picture: Racingfotos.com

Aidan O’Brien plans to run Rhododendron and Lancaster Bomber in the Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes at Newbury on Saturday.

O’Brien has also confirmed Deauville and War Decree, but at this stage intends to launch a dual assault on the QIPCO British Champions Series contest, which is a Group One over a mile.

He said on Monday: “”Lancaster Bomber would want nice ground, whereas Rhododendron is a little bit more versatile.

“We have been happy Rhododendron. She ran in France over a mile and a quarter and we weren’t sure she got the mile and a quarter, which is why we are coming back in trip. It is a new distance for her – she has not run over this distance since she ran in the Guineas (second to stable companion Winter in May, 2017, at Newmarket).

“Lancaster Bomber is good. We think he is a miler who maybe gets nine furlongs. Fast ground is important to him. He is in good shape.”

Addeybb heads 1the 9 five-day confirmations for the £350,000 race. He has looked a Group 1 horse in the making in two starts so far this season and has been successful on five of his seven starts.

Suedois enjoyed a lucrative end to 2017 and David O’Meara, who is based in North Yorkshire, said: “The plan is to run Suedois in the Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes at Newbury on Saturday.

“All seems fine with him. With his G1 penalty, there are few options with him and so we have to start off in a race like the Lockinge.”