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Tullius returned a dirty scope after he disappointed at Sandown

Jimmy Fortune riding Tullius win The bet365 Mile at Sandown
Image: Tullius scoped badly after Sandown

Tullius returned a dirty scope after he disappointed at Sandown last Friday.

The Andrew Balding-trained seven-year-old was defeated seven lengths in the Gordon Richards Stakes, but there were excuses for that reverse.

Sam Hoskins, racing manager for owners Kennet Valley Thoroughbreds, said: "He hated that ground and we found a lot of mucus after the race.

"He's usually such a consistent horse, but Sandown was markedly below par.

"He's worth another chance."

That opportunity presents itself in the Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes at Newbury on May 16, though the Listed 888sport Festival Stakes at Goodwood a week later could come into play if conditions in Berkshire are too quick.

Hoskins said: "He stays in the Lockinge, and if it's on the soft side he'll run in that.

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"There's also a race at Goodwood, but that's just a bit of a back-up in case the ground goes against us.

"The good thing about him this year is that he doesn't have any penalties."

Tullius is one of 27 horses to have gone forward for the Lockinge, with the likes of Night Of Thunder, Toormore and Integral still in the shake-up.

French interest is spiked by the presence of Breeders' Cup Mile winner Karakontie, Prestige Vendome and Bawina.

Aidan O'Brien is responsible for Cougar Mountain and Oklahoma City, while there is American interest in the shape of the Todd Pletcher-trained Mshawish.

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