Sakheer set to secure Mill Reef

SAKHEER can mark himself out as one of the hottest two-year-old prospects if landing the Dubai Duty Free Mill Reef Stakes at Newbury.

Inexperience cost Roger Varian’s youngster when a beaten favourite at Windsor on debut, but he made no mistake at the second time of asking when fulfilling the promise of his opening run with a taking six-length success at Haydock.

It was a performance from the 550,000 Euro breeze-up buy that demanded a step up in grade and he looks to have all the attributes to make his mark in this six-furlong Group Two.

Varian won this race in 2019 with Pierre Lapin following his own impressive display at Haydock, so it is interesting Sakheer is attempting to tread a similar path.

Victory would give connections their second big win in the space of seven days with Varian and Egan combining to give owners KHK Racing Ltd St Leger glory with Eldar Eldarov at Doncaster last weekend.

There could be further success for the Carlburg Stables handler when Mitbaahy attempts to bounce back in the Dubai International Airport World Trophy Stakes.

Nothing went right for the threeyear-old at Goodwood last time, but he was progressive in the early part of the season and a similar effort would put him in the mix in this Group Three assignment at a track which should suit.

Also at Newbury, Lysander could be worth chancing when he goes for Group Three glory in the Dubai Duty Free Legacy Cup Stakes.

Although defending champion Solid Stone could prove a tough nut to crack, the son of New Approach was once seen as a Derby prospect and has always been held in high regard by connections.