Lockinge next for Cougar Aidan O'Brien's Cougar Mountain is the sole Irish entrant in Saturday's Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes at Newbury. The lightly-raced four-year-old was highly tried in sprints last year, running a solid fifth in the July Cup at Newmarket. He could tackle Group One company over a mile on Saturday, after staying on nicely behind Fascinating Rock over that trip at Leopardstown on his reappearance. Last year's 2000 Guineas winner Night Of Thunder heads the 19 remaining possibles. While the Richard Hannon-trained four-year-old did not win again after his surprise Classic success, he proved it was no fluke by running well in the St James's Palace Stakes, Prix du Moulin and the QEII. Hannon has also left in Toormore, who was champion juvenile two years ago but is without a win since landing the Craven last April. He signalled a return to form when beaten only a length in the QEII on his final start last term. Tim Palin, racing manager for owners Middleham Park Racing, told At The Races: "We fancied him for the Guineas and nothing really went right after that and we could never put our finger on what it was. "He seems in flying form now, he's been on the go all spring and is ready for the weekend. "He was champion two-year-old, the best of his generation, so for a £36,000 spend that was some achievement. "The spark is definitely still there and it's our job to make sure he's in the right Group One races - there are plenty out there we just have to pick the right ones." Karakontie , who was last seen when winning the Breeders' Cup Mile, could come over from France for Jonathan Pease. Aljamaaheer, Captain Cat, Custom Cut, Moohaarib, Here Comes When and Tullius are other notable entries still in the mix. Sir Michael Stoute's classy Integral is the only filly to stand her ground following the defection of Rizeena.
