Nabati prevails in tight Mill Reef finish at Newbury
Charlie Appleby’s Nabati landed the Dubai Duty Free Mill Reef Stakes at Newbury, prevailing by the narrowest of margins in a dramatic conclusion to the Group Two sprint that formed part of a day dedicated to the late trainer Ian Balding.
The William Buick-ridden colt turned the tables on Andrew Balding’s Jolivette, reversing the form from recent meetings, and denied Michael Dods’ Arapaho Gold in a three-way battle to the line. The contest — run over six furlongs — produced an intensely competitive finish, with Nabati judged the winner by a short head.
The victory followed Nabati’s third in the Flying Scotsman Stakes at Doncaster, and connections opted to drop him back in trip for the Mill Reef. The win completed back-to-back renewals of the race for Appleby and Buick, following Words Of Truth’s success 12 months earlier.
Placings and implications
Jolivette finished a close second to Nabati, giving the Balding operation another high-profile placing in a Group Two feature. Arapaho Gold, successful over the same course and distance earlier in the season and the market favourite on the day, was prominent in the finish but could not overhaul the pair.
The result underlined Nabati’s versatility and toughness, with the colt quickening to prevail after being ridden slightly earlier than planned. For the Kingsclere team, the close defeat of Jolivette nevertheless confirmed the filly’s progression at pattern level.
Newbury honours Ian Balding
Newbury racecourse paid tribute to Ian Balding on the afternoon of the Mill Reef, and the occasion carried extra significance for many in the weighing room and the parade ring. The race named in Balding’s honour provided a fitting backdrop for an emotional meeting, as local connections celebrated a competitive renewal of a key juvenile sprint.
Miss Yechance provides milestone for Jack Nicholls in World Trophy
On the same card, Karl Burke’s Miss Yechance brought up a first Group victory for apprentice jockey Jack Nicholls in the Dubai International Airport World Trophy Stakes (Group Three).
The three-year-old filly, who had previously won a valuable handicap at York, made all under Nicholls to score a neck success over Clive Cox’s Shagraan, with Diligent Harry taking third and market favourite Starlust slightly further back.
The World Trophy win represented a significant career landmark for the 20-year-old rider, who has emerged this season as a frequent booking for leading yards and has thrived in sprint company. The result also underscored Miss Yechance’s progression from handicap class to pattern-level success and highlighted Burke’s skill in placing his sprinters.
Festival takeaways
- The Mill Reef produced a classic tight finish that will bode well for Nabati’s prospects in top juvenile sprints, while Jolivette’s performance enhances her record at Group level.
- Arapaho Gold’s consistent form over Newbury’s six-furlong trip keeps him in the mix among summer two-year-old sprint performers despite coming up short on the day.
- Jack Nicholls’ breakthrough Group success aboard Miss Yechance is likely to lead to further opportunities in pattern races over the remainder of the season.
Both races provided talking points for racegoers and festival followers, combining high-quality juvenile action with memorable moments for local racing households and emerging talent in the weighing room.
This article may have been prepared in whole or in part with the assistance of artificial intelligence.
