Champion Turf Mare Inspiral to Face Males in Lockinge

Six-time group 1 winner Inspiral  and French raider Big Rock  are on course for a major mile clash May 18 at Newbury, with the talented pair among 11 confirmations for the Lockinge Stakes (G1).

Cheveley Park Stud homebred Inspiral, who is the only mare in the lineup, will be making her first start since her success at the Breeders' Cup last November that nailed down champion turf female honors for her. The daughter of Frankel   is expected to provide Kieran Shoemark with a huge opportunity to record his first big winner since replacing Frankie Dettori as first-choice rider for the powerful John and Thady Gosden operation.

Big Rock was the world's highest-rated miler last year after overwhelming a quality field in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (G1) on Champions Day at Ascot in October. He returns to Britain having since moved yards from Christopher Head to Maurizio Guarnieri. The stable switch was made with owner Yeguada Centurion wanting to support the Chantilly-based trainer at the start of his career.

Spokesman David Stevens said May 13: "Despite switching trainers since his QEII victory, Big Rock made such an impression at Ascot last October that he's now clear favorite to win another group 1 on British soil, while any significant rain at Newbury this week would also be in his favor."