Nabati delivered a stunning tactical masterclass at Newbury to secure victory in the prestigious Dubai Duty Free Mill Reef Stakes, brilliantly reversing previous form against race favourite Arapaho Gold. Trained by the esteemed Charlie Appleby and expertly steered by champion jockey William Buick, the juvenile colt showcased tremendous acceleration in the closing stages to outpace a high-class field. This impressive Group 2 triumph adds another major feather to the cap of Godolphin’s dominant European operation, which continues to unearth exceptional two-year-old talents ahead of the autumn championship meetings. Appleby, who has conditioned numerous global Group 1 winners, praised the resilience of his charge after bouncing back strongly from earlier developmental setbacks on the turf.
The six-furlong contest proved to be a thrilling tactical battle from the stalls, with the runner-up Jolivette pushing the eventual winner all the way to the line before having to settle for second place. Arapaho Gold, heavily backed by punters following an unbeaten streak earlier in the summer, failed to quicken when the race began in earnest, ultimately finishing third under testing ground conditions. Newbury’s historic straight course has traditionally served as a crucial stepping stone for future sprinting stars, with past honour rolls featuring legendary speedsters who later conquered major international festivals. The race, held in honour of legendary trainer Ian Balding, highlighted the enduring high standards of British juvenile racing and the exceptional depth of talent emerging from top Newmarket yards this season.
Looking ahead, connections will now weigh up potential end-of-season targets, with major autumn festivals in Britain and France offering lucrative opportunities for this rapidly improving colt. Godolphin holds a formidable hand in the juvenile division this year, and a step up to Group 1 company now looks firmly on the cards for the triumphant winner. William Buick’s expert post-race assessment emphasized the horse's versatility and strong mental attitude, traits that will undoubtedly serve him well as he transitions into a highly anticipated three-year-old campaign next spring. Racing enthusiasts will eagerly await the official handicap and official classification updates to see how Nabati stacks up against the premier European juveniles currently dominating the division.
