Thirty-Five Remain In Contention For Group 2 Dubai Duty Free Mill Reef Stakes

Following today’s scratching stage, an impressive group of 35 two-year-olds goes forward for the Group 2 Dubai Duty Free Mill Reef Stakes at Newbury Racecourse. Worth an increased total prize fund of £125,000, the six-furlong contest is the feature race of the Dubai Duty Free International Weekend on Saturday 20th September.

Among those who remain is Clive Cox’s Coppull, who recently triumphed in the Group 2 Markel Richmond Stakes at Goodwood, storming home to win by two lengths from Puerto Rico, with Weatherbys Super Sprint runner up Havana Hurricane another neck back in third.

Godolphin currently leads the charge with four contenders – Beckford’s Folly, Military Code, Wise Approach and Words Of Truth – all trained by Charlie Appleby, who seeks his first win in the race.

Beckford’s Folly broke his maiden at Newmarket on June 26, pulling away to win by two-and-three-quarter lengths from Rydale Frosty on only his second start. Just over a month later, he confirmed his class over the same trip and venue.

Irish hopes rest on Aidan O’Brien, who at present fields a formidable trio for the Coolmore partners in Brussels, First Approach, and Puerto Rico.

Meanwhile, Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum is represented by three exciting prospects in Amorim, Reciprocated and Rock On Thunder. Wathnan Racing, another key ownership presence, sends forward a powerful quartet spread across the yards of K. R. Burke, Hamad Al Jehani, and Andrew Balding.

The next confirmation stage is on September 15, when supplementary entries can also be made for a fee of £6,250.

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