Our ambassador Hollie Doyle sets the scene for a packed Saturday at Newbury, where the Group Two Mill Reef Stakes will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing. Michael Dods is full of confidence about his unbeaten gelding Arapaho Gold, who could notch a fifth consecutive victory in the Dubai Duty Free Mill Reef Stakes (2.12) at Newbury on Saturday. The colt, a striking Gimcrack winner, has been described by his Darlington trainer as the finest juvenile he has ever handled.
Arapaho Gold boasts the strongest recent form of the field and has already shown a genuine affinity for Newbury’s course and the race distance, having secured the Listed Rose Bowl earlier in the season. Among the other contenders, Godolphin’s Nabati appeared to be progressing well until a stumble in the Listed Flying Scotsman Stakes at Doncaster last week.
Trainer Charlie Appleby is eager to give the horse a swift redemption run at this level, hoping to prove its class after the recent setback. Attention is also on the rejuvenated Breeders' Cup champion Starlust, who will contest the Dubai International Airport World Trophy Stakes (1.02) at Newbury. The former top‑class sprinter has been back in training and could provide a strong showing in this international contest.
Ralph Beckett’s sprinter, who captured fame in Del Mar two years ago before an unremarkable stint at stud, returned to the highest ranks with impressive placings in the Nunthorpe and the Flying Five in Ireland last weekend. That recent form makes him a genuine threat, even though the race is technically a step down in class.
On a more straightforward track, the gelding Shagraan, now wearing cheekpieces for the first time, could capitalize on the softer ground. Trained by Clive Cox, Shagraan was runner‑up in this event last year and is expected to relish the underfoot conditions that suit his running style.
Roaring Legend demonstrated that he still possesses a high level of ability when he was narrowly beaten by Mallard winner Valedictory at Newmarket over the summer. He will aim to improve on that effort in the Dubai Duty Free Autumn Cup Handicap (1.37) at Newbury, where a favorable draw could see him back at the front of the field. Olly Murphy’s eight‑year‑old, a fresh contender, is paired with jockey Alan King on Insanity.
The gelding has been consistently well‑handicapped and has shown promising recent form, making him a solid pick for those looking for value. Primo Lara, partnered by Ryan Moore, is likely to attract considerable market interest. However, the race may prove tougher than the all‑weather event he won at Kempton earlier in the month, meaning bettors should weigh his recent performances carefully. Richard Hannon holds the key to the Dubai Duty Free Handicap (2.47) at Newbury with the dependable Boyfriend and his stable companion Stem.
Boyfriend was unlucky at Salisbury when a congested finish hampered his run, but he stayed on strongly and could have been closer with a clear run. Stem, who produced a good effort at Sandown recently and has previously won at Newbury, also looks poised to make an impact, while Jane Chapple‑Hyam’s Balzac, having improved after being gelded, adds another strong contender to the mix. Never miss a story with the latest racing news, interviews, and features on your phone – find out more on Sky Sports Racing. Binhareer is a stakes horse in the making, and expectations are high for his performance in the Ladbrokes Ayr Gold Cup (3.40) at Ayr on Saturday.
The grey, trained by William Haggas, delivered a superb run in the Group Three Hackwood Stakes at Newbury in July, maintaining an unchanged rating of 103. His regular jockey, Tom Marquand, is eager to see the horse return to handicap company.
Having won on firm ground last year, Binhareer sits high on my shortlist alongside Far Above Dream, who narrowly missed a win in a hot handicap at York recently. That form was confirmed when the third‑placed Coul Angel surged at the Curragh last week.
At longer odds, Richard Spencer’s Run Boy Run should not be dismissed. The horse captured the race a year ago with a lower rating and could be dangerous in first‑time blinkers if drawn on the right side of the stalls, particularly from stall 23. I would love to see Sam England secure the Ladbrokes Ayr Silver Cup Handicap (2.30) aboard the in‑form Trilby, another strong candidate for Tom Marquand. Trilby won convincingly at Beverley before staying on powerfully at Haydock, hitting the line with great vigor.
The quicker the pace, the better for the six‑year‑old, who carries a modest five‑pound penalty. Wathnan Racing’s Deep Havana also carries a penalty but delivered a solid win at Thirsk after a lengthy lay‑off, suggesting he can improve further.
Julie Camacho’s Havana Blue should play a leading role after an impressive victory at Ascot, adding depth to the field. For the latest horse racing news, interviews, and features, stay tuned to Sky Sports Racing. On a personal note, I am thrilled to report that my recovery from the broken leg I suffered at Bath in May has finally turned a corner.
After a period of slow progress—my knee and ankle simply would not cooperate—I am now seeing tangible results, which is incredibly rewarding. The biggest milestone was returning to the simulator a few weeks ago. At first I could barely lift my foot onto the iron, but now I am making substantial strides toward riding again.
From the outset I was determined not to lose too much conditioning, hoping that a swift return to fitness would be possible once I increased my rehabilitation intensity, even though it has been exhausting. My daily routine now includes an hour in the gym at Oaksey House in Lambourn, followed by physiotherapy sessions and work in the hydro‑pool. I have also resumed cycling on an exercise bike, which has been excellent for boosting my cardiovascular fitness. I am checking every box on my recovery checklist and seeing the payoff of my hard work.
I am confident that I will be back doing what I love within weeks rather than months. Hollie Doyle was speaking to Sky Sports Racing’s Simon Mapletoft.