3 minute read

Toocoolforschool led from pillar to post to easily win the Dubai Duty Free Mill Reef Stakes at Newbury.

The Acomb Stakes runner-up, trained in North Yorkshire by Karl Burke, turned in a really sharp display in this Group Two over six furlongs to account for an admittedly depleted field by upwards of seven lengths.

Even accounting for two non-runners, including likely favourite Limato, Toocoolforschool has clearly made boundless progression since he finished second in a Listed race at Doncaster last Friday.

Runner-up Growl stayed on with a degree of earnest, but the race was over a long way from home as Silvestre de Sousa's companion absolutely hosed up.

Strath Burn, the 11-8 favourite, missed the break and was always chasing the game, while Jungle Cat appeared ill at ease on the rain-softened ground.

Burke was winning the Mill Reef for a second time after Lord Shanakill obliged in 2008, and s aid: "The ground has played a factor in the winning distance, but we weren't sure he'd even handle it.

"My inclination would be to put him away for the season, although I'll be surprised if the phone doesn't ring with offers from abroad for him. As you know, money talks. There was a bid for him from Hong Kong after the Acomb, but there was a small issue with the vet and it fell through.

"I've always known he has a lot of ability, and also that he was saving a bit for himself, which is why I put cheekpieces on. He's obviously a high-class horse.

"We've done really well with our two-year-old colts - 14 of the 15 we have have already won."