Saturday’s highlight at Newbury is Arapaho Gold, who faces a weight penalty in the Dubai Duty Free Mill Reef Stales after coming through four consecutive victories. Trained by Michael Dods, the colt most recently won the Group Two Gimcrack Stakes at York. His form has since been backed up by the runner-up, and he now carries three pounds more than before.
The race is live on Sky Sports Racing from 1.02pm, part of a full day of flat racing from Chester, Newbury and Newcastle. Here is everything you need to know before the off.
Arapaho Gold Defends His Record
The horse Arapaho Gold remains undefeated after winning the Group Two Gimcrack Stakes at York, with his rival’s subsequent performance backing up the result. He now goes into this engagement carrying three pounds more than when he secured that victory.
Jolivette, the sole filly in the field, stands as the principal threat in Andrew Balding’s camp. She delivered her finest performance to date when finishing third behind Libertango at York, with Colin Keane in the irons, and she retains the capacity for improvement.
“He ought to prove tough to beat despite a three-pound penalty.”
Another live contender is Nabati, who was trained by Charlie Appleby. He ran third behind Forbidden Fire in the Flying Scotsman and may find six furlongs suit him better than longer distances.
Redorange and Starlust Lock Horns
At 1.02pm, Clive Cox’s Redorange meets Starlust in the Dubai International Airport World Trophy Stakes. Redorange secured a Listed victory at York in July, capturing the City Walls on the way. Although he was well beaten in the Nunthorpe, this contest ought to prove more manageable. Cox has engaged Callum Rodriguez to take the mount, and the pairing holds leading prospects.
The horse in question is Starlust, who took the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint back in 2024, though he has not added to his tally since then. Recent results show him performing well, with a runner-up finish in the Nunthorpe and a fourth place at the Curragh. That pattern suggests he could be ready for a breakthrough, and this Group Three race appears to offer the perfect chance for him to claim the prize.
After Goodwood’s handicap win, Sparkle took over at the top of the class last year’s 1-2, First Instinct and Shagraan, look best of the rest in an open field. Naana’.
Primo Lara Takes On French Duke
At 1.37pm, the Dubai Duty Free Autumn Cup features Progressive Primo Lara against French Duke. Trained by Jane Chapple-Hyam, the five-year-old has posted strong results since switching from Jack Morland. He added to his tally with a bit in hand at Kempton, taking his record to two wins from three starts under new management. Ryan Moore has been booked for the ride.
A strong showing at York last time out marked French Duke’s best performance in a while, and the handicapper has rewarded him accordingly. A bold bid from him should certainly be anticipated. Insanity, trained by Alan King, carries 2lbs less than when he was runner-up at Pontefract back in April, while Pearl River gets a featherweight and looks worth backing for a place.
A Busy Day Across Three Tracks
A competitive handicap takes place at Chester, where Impulsive Spirit steps down in class following a Group Three run. Newcastle’s race features Weffaag, trained by Haggas, in pursuit of a maiden victory.
The day’s highlight belongs to Newbury, which hosts several Group contests. Boyfriend and Almekarem should attract plenty of support in a strong field at 2.47pm, whereas Jassas aims to recover from a Group Three loss at 3.20pm. Drymee leads a field of 10 runners for the Fanshawe team at 4.30pm.
Group Three races at Chantilly add depth, and they feature runners from Meehan and Burke. Amy Murphy saddles Magna Grace in one of those contests, while a race with eight runners includes British interest in Awaken and Sacred Ground.
What To Watch For
The main queries are simple ones. Does Arapaho Gold have what it takes to manage the punishment? Will Starlust finally get over the line at Group Three level? And can Progressive Primo Lara carry his winning start forward under new ownership?
Arapaho Gold looks like the horse to catch here, though she faces a demanding penalty for doing so. Jolivette has already matched her best-ever performance, when she ran third behind Libertango at York, and another run of that quality would put her well into contention again.
Redorange and Starlust both have claims in the Group Three, though Starlust’s record in big races gives him the edge on paper. Last year’s 1-2, First Instinct and Shagraan, add depth to a field that could produce a surprise.
Since joining new connections, Primo Lara has shown real strength, with Ryan Moore adding a top-class touch to his engagements. At York, French Duke demonstrated he can run a big race, and another bold bid is expected from him.
The Key Numbers
- Mill Reef Stales at Newbury: 1.02pm, live on Sky Sports Racing
- Autumn Cup at Newbury: 1.37pm, live on Sky Sports Racing
- Drymee’s race at Newbury: 4.30pm, live on Sky Sports Racing
A full day of racing gives a complete picture of the sport, with something for every kind of interest. The Mill Reef runs the top young horses, while the Autumn Cup brings out the older ones.
The Mill Reef’s day’s other races are packed with talent. Starlust, Progressive Primo Lara and the rest of the field all have reasons to believe, and Saturday’ of racing looks set to be a thrilling one, with Arapaho Gold the standout prospect on paper.
Source material: “Unbeaten Arapaho Gold tackles Mill Reef test,” Sky Sports.
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