The Group 2 Mill Reef Stakes has housed some top sprinters and future stars in recent years, and is Newbury’s big race contest for two-year-olds. Joe Napier previews the big Group contest of the weekend and gives his verdict.
Favourites
A rarified rise from his first race could see Into The Sky go from 80/1 debutant outsider to Group 2 favourite after just one run. Epsom trainer Jim Boyle certainly kept his cards close to his chest given the price his charge went off at over course and distance in August, but his 7½-length triumph was emphatic over some well-bred and affiliated rivals. The ground was officially good that day but appeared to produce some cut, so he should be suited by prevailing weekend conditions either way.
Once again, he will have to deal with opponents owned by some big gun operations. The Godolphin representative is Words Of Truth, who was held on his only course and distance start, but that was on debut and he has since won twice. The fifth in his opening victory was defeated by almost as far as by Into The Sky later on, while Words Of Truth defied a penalty from a subsequent scorer at Newmarket last month too.
The most exposed of a trio vying for favouritism is Rock On Thunder. Owned by Sheikh Mohammed Obaid and trained by Kevin Ryan, he is a half brother to the same owner’s San Donato, a Group 2 winner. His standout effort came last time out, when second at this level in the Richmond Stakes at York, pulling well clear of the third. That form sets the standard for the field to surpass though he was quite well beaten in Listed company over track and trip the time before.
Outsiders
Watcha Snoop got off the mark at the second time of asking at Ascot, seeming to enjoy the soft conditions. Any rain would help, but he was easily beaten by Words Of Truth on debut when in receipt of 6lb and it is difficult to see an obvious reason for him to turn that form around.
All of Flying Comet, Rydale Frosty and Sands Of Spain are experienced juveniles with at least five runs under their belts. The latter pair look exposed, but Flying Comet’s second to Richmond winner LIfeplan at Thirsk in July, giving the winner 10lb no less, has since been significantly boosted and his nursery success at Windsor last time out suggested he could still be improving. He has an interesting outside chance, though Gold Queen Kindly looks up against it on her Ripon second in August in just a four-runner field.
Verdict
Rock On Thunder set the mark to beat when second at York in the Richmond Stakes, while Into The Sky has bundles of potential based on his debut success here three weeks ago. However, Godolphin runner WORDS OF TRUTH has improved significantly since an under-the-radar debut over course and distance, with his two victories since then suggesting he has what it takes to go well in Group company. Flying Comet is an interesting outsider, with his second at Thirsk in July particularly noteworthy form against Rock Of Thunder’s Richmond Stakes conqueror.
- Words Of Truth
- Flying Comet
- Rock On Thunder
