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Pierre Lapin looks to emulate exalted sibling Harry Angel by landing Mill Reef

Pierre Lapin makes an impressive debut in the 6f novice contest
Pierre Lapin: raced once this season when winning at HaydockCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

2.55 NewburyDubai Duty Free Mill Reef Stakes (Group 2) | 6f | 2yo | ITV4/RTV

Pierre Lapin returns to the course for the first time since making a winning debut in May and attempts to emulate his illustrious half brother Harry Angel by landing this contest.

Trained by Roger Varian for Sheikh Mohammed Obaid, Pierre Lapin has been given time to develop and mature over the summer, during which time Varian’s opinion of him has remained high.


1998

Golden Silca was the last filly to win this race 21 years ago. Shadn represents the girls this year.


The trainer said: “He’s training well and it’s a big jump up in class, so it will tell us if he will have another run in the autumn or if we put him away for next year.

"I think he's going to be a nice horse for one day, whether it’s Saturday or next year.”

Hannon hopes Mystery can solve Mill Reef puzzle

Such is the depth of talent among his two-year-olds this season, trainer Richard Hannon is able to leave his Gimcrack Stakes and runaway York winners at home, yet still saddles one of the leading contenders here.

Other targets await Threat and Mums Tipple, leaving Mystery Power as the chosen one to try and provide his trainer with a first win in the Mill Reef.

Mystery Power (right): won the Superlative Stakes at Newmarket
Mystery Power (right): won the Superlative Stakes at NewmarketCredit: Edward Whitaker

Mystery Power has already scored at Group 2 level with a ready success in the Superlative Stakes at Newmarket, for which he carries a 3lb penalty, but he needs to bounce back to that form having disappointed when well beaten behind Pinatubo in the Vintage Stakes last time out.

“I thought he’d win the Vintage but he bumped into Pinatubo and came back with a dirty scope, so I’m more than prepared to forgive him that run,” Hannon said. “He’s a top-class colt so deserves to take his chance and I hope he’s good enough to win.”

Botti: Malotru is in really good shape

Prior to Malotru running in the Gimcrack Stakes at York, trainer Marco Botti was a little unsure quite how good his juvenile was.

He knew he was talented after he landed a Group 3 in Italy, but the son of Casamento stepped up on that with a good, and slightly unlucky, fourth behind Threat.

Botti is seeking a second success in the Mill Reef having captured the race in 2012 with Moohaajim, and said: “I think the six furlongs at Newbury will suit him better as I feel at York it can be a little bit sharp. Eventually I can see us stepping up to seven furlongs.

“He’s done well since his last race and I think he’s in really good shape, so I’m hopeful of a very good run from him.”


What the rest say

Marcus Tregoning, trainer of Impressor
We’ll find out how good he is but hopefully he’ll have a reasonable chance. We couldn’t have been more pleased with the way he won at Salisbury. He won it very, very well and he’s worked well since. He does have a lot of speed.

Michael Bell, trainer of Mr Kiki
The form of his debut run is extremely strong and while he wasn’t mightily impressive when he won, it was quite a quick turnaround. He’s a very good-looking horse and thoroughly deserves to take his chance in the race, so I hope he puts in a strong performance.

Charlie Hills, trainer of Royal Commando
He's got a great attitude to everything and has been unlucky – he got no run at Goodwood and couldn't run at York. His work has been good and I'm hoping to find out more about him in this race.

Andrew Balding, trainer of Shadn
She’s a filly against the colts but she gets a nice little allowance which should help her chance. She has a chance of getting a bit more black type next to her name if she is placed.


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Peter ScargillDeputy industry editor

Published on 20 September 2019inPreviews

Last updated 15:41, 20 September 2019

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