There was a buzz around Karl Burke’s yard this week as the veteran sprinter Lethal Levi prepared for another crack at Newmarket’s July Course. The six-year-old, as gutsy as they come, has long shown his liking for the undulating track, and jockey Sam James is confident the Listed The Hong Kong Jockey Club World Pool Hopeful Stakes (1200m) could be the perfect stage for his seasoned partner to strike again.
For many followers, this Lethal Levi Newmarket assignment represents a golden chance to land a black-type prize over his favoured six-furlong trip.
Burke, better known these days for his stream of precocious juveniles, spoke warmly of the old campaigner: “He has been even better since we added blinkers last year. He had been giving away some races at the start but he jumps much cleaner now. He is a terrific old horse.”
Form that commands respect
The numbers alone make impressive reading. From 40 career starts, Lethal Levi has finished in the first three on 22 occasions, almost all of them around the six-furlong trip that has become his calling card. His recent Group-level form underlines his consistency, having been edged out late in the G3 Criterion Stakes over 1400m at York in June, and only a short-head away from victory in the G2 Greenlands Stakes at the Curragh a month earlier.
With a clear ratings edge — carrying 3lb or more in hand over his ten rivals — Friday’s contest could be another chance for this popular sprinter to prove that experience and resilience still count in a division often dominated by younger legs. His regular rider Sam James has developed a fine partnership with him, knowing just how to settle the gelding into a rhythm before asking him to lengthen stride.
The Lethal Levi Newmarket test will once again see him lock horns with younger rivals, but his blend of toughness and racecraft makes him a genuine contender every time he lines up.
Rivals with claims
Invictus Gold brings back fond Newmarket memories, having scored over the same July Course 12 months ago in a novice event. Tom Clover’s charge looked firmly on the upgrade when running away with a 1200m Rowley Mile handicap in May, and although he failed to sparkle on his latest outing at Newmarket, excuses may lie in the ground and rhythm of the race. Clover’s team is in flying form and with Kieran Shoemark fresh from a York sprint success on Wednesday, connections will feel upbeat.
Ferrous is another with strong credentials if returning to his best. Trained by Jack Channon, the grey has won twice over this trip already this season, both with Callum Rodriguez aboard — and the pair will reunite on Friday.
Also in the line-up is Dubai Treasure, who turned back the clock with victory at Goodwood last month, his first win at this trip in nearly two years. Saeed bin Suroor has booked Daniel Muscutt for the ride, adding further intrigue to a well-matched sprint.
Earlier handicap adds intrigue
Newmarket’s card begins with the World Pool Bet With The Tote Handicap, a wide-open sprint in which Photosynthesis makes his first appearance at his home track for trainer Peter Chapple-Hyam. Twice a close runner-up at Newbury this summer, the gelding will be partnered by Harry Davies as he looks to transfer that form to the July Course. The handicap has attracted a competitive field and will give the crowd an early pointer on how the track is riding ahead of the Listed sprint.
Looking ahead
Lethal Levi has earned the respect of fans and rivals alike with his durability and honesty. With conditions in his favour and Burke’s faith in him unwavering, Friday’s Listed sprint could provide another chapter in the career of a horse who refuses to stop competing at the highest level.
For supporters, the Lethal Levi Newmarket challenge is one of the highlights of the World Pool action, a reminder that class and experience remain a potent mix.
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