Hollie Doyle, our resident ambassador, is gearing up for a packed Saturday agenda that spotlights the Group Two Mill Reef Stakes at Newbury, a race that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing. Michael Dods has been vociferously optimistic about his unbeaten gelding Arapaho Gold, who is poised to secure a flawless five‑out‑of‑five record in the Dubai Duty Free Mill Reef Stakes (2.12) at Newbury this Saturday. The horse, a striking Gimcrack victor, is described by his Darlington trainer as the finest juvenile he has ever handled.
Arapaho Gold enters the contest with the most compelling form of the field, having already demonstrated his affinity for Newbury’s turf and the mile distance when he captured the Listed Rose Bowl earlier in the season. Godolphin’s representative, Nabati, displayed promising progression until a stumble in the Listed Flying Scotsman Stakes at Doncaster last week disrupted his momentum. Charlie Appleby, eager to restore confidence, is quickly stepping him back up, hoping the horse can prove his class at this higher level.
Another contender attracting close scrutiny is the revitalised Breeders' Cup champion Starlust, who will contest the Dubai International Airport World Trophy Stakes (1.02) at Newbury. This seasoned campaigner, now back in top‑flight form, could be a game‑changer for those looking for a strong finish.
Ralph Beckett’s sprinter, a former Del Mar star who failed to make an impact at stud, has already logged two impressive runs at the highest tier, finishing strongly in the Nunthorpe and the Flying Five in Ireland last weekend. His resurgence makes him a genuine threat despite the race being a step down in class. On a more straightforward track, the odds‑on favourite Shagraan may be vulnerable to a surprise challenge from the first‑time cheek‑piece wearer.
Clive Cox’s gelding, who was runner‑up in this event last year, relishes the soft ground and could reclaim the lead. Roaring Legend, who narrowly missed out to Mallard winner Valedictory at Newmarket over the summer, still possesses ample ability. He will aim to improve his performance in the Dubai Duty Free Autumn Cup Handicap (1.37) at Newbury, where a favorable draw could see him finish strongly.
Olly Murphy’s eight‑year‑old, a fresh contender, fits the description of Alan King’s Insanity – a gelding the trainer has always liked and now benefits from a more suitable handicap rating based on recent form. Primo Lara, piloted by Ryan Moore, is expected to draw considerable market interest.
However, the race presents a sterner test than the all‑weather event he won at Kempton earlier this month, demanding a sharper finish. Richard Hannon holds the key to the Dubai Duty Free Handicap (2.47) at Newbury with his dependable Boyfriend and stable companion Stem.
Boyfriend was unlucky at Salisbury when the race became congested, but he stayed on well and may have performed even better with a clear run. Stem, after a solid showing at Sandown and a previous Newbury victory, remains a strong contender, while Jane Chapple‑Hyam’s Balzac, having improved markedly after being gelded, also looks capable of making an impact. Never miss a story – the latest racing news, interviews, and features are just a tap away on your phone.
Find out more. Binhareer is emerging as a stakes prospect, and expectations are high for his performance in the Ladbrokes Ayr Gold Cup (3.40) at Ayr on Saturday. William Haggas’ grey, a Group Three Hackwood Stakes winner at Newbury in July, retains an unchanged rating of 103. Tom Marquand, Doyle’s husband, is eager to ride him again in handicap company, believing the horse’s proven ability on easy ground last year places him high on the shortlist alongside Far Above Dream, who narrowly missed out in a scorching York handicap.
That form was reinforced 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 won the same race a year ago from a lower rating and could be dangerous in first‑time blinkers if drawn favorably in stall 23. Sam England would love to claim the Ladbrokes Ayr Silver Cup Handicap (2.30) with the in‑form Trilby, another strong candidate for Marquand.
Trilby displayed a powerful finish at Beverley before staying on convincingly 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 proved his class with a solid win at Thirsk after a long lay‑off, and he may improve further. Julie Camacho’s Havana Blue, after an impressive Ascot victory, is expected to play a leading role in the race.
Stay up‑to‑date with the latest horse racing news, interviews, and features from Sky Sports Racing. On a personal note, I’m thrilled to announce that over the past two weeks I have made significant strides in my recovery from the broken leg I suffered at Bath in May.
Initially, progress was slower than hoped – my knee and ankle weren’t cooperating, which was concerning – but recent results have been encouraging and deeply satisfying. The biggest milestone came when I returned to the riding simulator a few weeks ago. At first I couldn’t even lift my foot onto the iron, yet now I’m making solid strides, a clear sign that I’m moving back toward full riding fitness. From day one, I was determined not to lose too much condition, believing that maintaining a baseline of fitness would accelerate my comeback once rehab intensified, even though the process has been exhausting.
My daily routine now includes an hour of gym work at Oaksey House in Lambourn, followed by physiotherapy sessions and hydro‑pool exercises. I’ve also resumed using the exercise bike, which has been invaluable for rebuilding cardiovascular endurance. I’m checking off every recovery box and seeing the fruits of my hard work, so I’m hopeful that I’ll be back doing what I love within weeks rather than months. Hollie Doyle was speaking to Sky Sports Racing’s Simon Mapletoft.