14:55 Newbury

Saturday 22 September 2018

All13:1513:4514:2014:5515:3016:0516:4017:15

Dubai Duty Free Mill Reef Stakes (Group 2)

Off time: 14:56 | Winning time: 1m 14.23s

(4)

Don Armado^t³¹

Age: 2| Weight: 9-1| J: Harry Bentley| T: S C Williams| OR: 93| D

33/1

Steadily got the hang of things and notched a quick brace with wins at Nottingham and Goodwood. Gone up 17lb in the ratings as a result and little option but to try in this grade. Brushed aside in a nursery latest, so cracks starting to open.

Form: 328114

(7)

Garrus²²

Age: 2| Weight: 9-1| J: Jim Crowley| T: J Noseda| OR: 96| D

8/1

Improved on what was a modest effort on debut to win his last two starts in a pleasing manner. Faces much stiffer opposition here but done little wrong, so dangerous to underestimate.

Form: 311

(2)

Kessaar^h¹⁴

Age: 2| Weight: 9-1| J: L Dettori| T: J & T Gosden| OR: 107| D

10/3

Won a Group 3 on the AW at Kempton earlier in the month but, as a Middle Park Stakes entry, needs to post an improved effort if he's going to head on to Newmarket next weekend. Trip and ground expected to suit, though. (Dettori won this last year.)

Form: 20161

(3)

Konchek^t1¹⁴

Age: 2| Weight: 9-1| J: G Mosse| T: C G Cox| OR: 105

15/2

Been highly tried since winning at Newmarket on his racecourse debut but starting to look exposed. Has a bit to find with Kessaar after their encounter in a Group 3 at Kempton latest. Others more convincing. (Yard won this with Harry Angel in 2016.)

Form: 135244

(8)

Shine So Bright²⁹

Age: 2| Weight: 9-1| J: Oisin Murphy| T: A M Balding| OR: 108| BF

3/1

Won on debut for his former yard and switched to his current trainer after a respectable effort in the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot. Run well twice at this level since and comes into the reckoning as a leading contender on the form shown so far.

Form: 1533

(1)

The Irish Rover^b,t⁹

Age: 2| Weight: 9-1| J: R L Moore| T: A P O'Brien| OR: 106| BF| CD

4/1

A consistent colt who has numerous winners in his bloodlines; and has a C&D win to bolster his claims in his own right. However, he was two lengths adrift of Shine So Bright in the Gimcrack at York and needs to work hard to reverse the placings.

Form: 410345

(9)

True Mason³⁴

Age: 2| Weight: 9-1| J: B A Curtis| T: K R Burke| OR: 107| D

4/1

Yard has won this twice in the last ten years and this colt's progressive profile says he comes here following a tried and trusted route. Posted a good effort in a Group 1 in France last month and is highly respected given the strength of that form.

Form: 53133

Non-Runners

(6)

Marhaba Milliar²¹

Weight: 9-1| Age: 2

T: J & T Gosden J: Non Runner

(5)

Marie's Diamond³⁴

Weight: 9-1| Age: 2

T: C & M Johnston J: S De Sousa

Forecasts

Shine So Bright (3/1), Kessaar (10/3), True Mason (4/1), The Irish Rover (4/1), Marie's Diamond (13/2), Konchek (15/2), Garrus (8/1), Marhaba Milliar (12/1), Don Armado (33/1)

Karl Burke has made a good habit of readying one for this race and looks to have TRUE MASON primed to deliver after he posted what was a highly promising run to be placed in the Group 1 Prix Morny last time out. Shine So Bright and Marie's Diamond are closely matched judging by a previous encounter and can give Burke's contender a good run for the healthy prize-money on offer. The Irish Rover represents a formidable team and also has to merit a second look despite appearing to have a bit to find on face value. Garrus is another to note for future reference as he's very much on the upgrade and looks a bright prospect for next season.