Lightning Thunder set to take Haydock by storm

English and Irish 1,000 Guineas runner-up Lightning Thunder takes a marked drop in class in the Dick Hern Fillies Stakes at Haydock today (3.25) and looks a worthy favourite to take advantage and land the spoils.

The Olly Stevens trained filly ran a stormer to be beaten just a neck by Miss France at Newmarket, and backed that up with an excellent three length second to Marvellous at the Curragh on soft ground which didn’t suit.

The daughter of Dutch Art was also far from disgraced in another Group 1 contest when beaten just 3 3/4 lengths into ninth behind Rizeena in the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot in June, and Lightning Thunder’s form is head and shoulders above anything her rivals have acheived.

The three-year-old is also reported to be in tip-top shape having been given a 50 day break to freshen-up, and this Listed contest should be a penalty-kick for Lightning Thunder given that she is a proven Group 1 performer taking on inferior rated opponents.

The two likely to give Lightning Thunder most to think about are Solar Magic and Token Of Love.

Solar Magic represents the powerful John Gosden yard, and has shown progressive form in just three starts.

The daughter of Pivotal showed a nice turn of foot to win her maiden at Ascot by 3 1/4 lengths and is clearly going the right way

However, Solar Magic only beat four opponents at the Berkshire venue and is currently officially rated 20lb lower than Lightning Thunder.

Token Of Love is trained by William Haggas and made the perfect start to her career when winning in good style on debut at Leicester.

The daughter of Cape Cross has since shown improved form since going handicapping, winning at Newmarket before being given too much to do last time out when runner-up at Newbury.

This race does represent a step up in class, but there is lots to like about Token Of Love’s profile and she looks capable of making her presence felt.