Nabati gets up late to take G2 Mill Reef Stakes

Nabati enjoyed a return to six furlongs and quick conditions as he collared Jolivette in the final strides of the G2 Mill Reef Stakes at Newbury, UK, on Saturday, 19 September. 

The Night Of Thunder colt, who had posted wins in similar conditions at Yarmouth and Newmarket, was making a quick return to action after coming home third on his first try at seven furlongs in the Listed Flying Scotsman Stakes at Doncaster eight days earlier. 

After breaking slowly, Nabati raced in seventh of the eight runners early on before taking closer order towards the stands’ side after the first quarter-mile. 

Nabati responded for pressure to press Jolivette entering the final furlong, with Arapaho Gold and Revels also mounting their challenges to the long-time leader. 

Jolivette rallied but could not repel Nabati close home, with the Charlie Appleby-trained juvenile finding more under William Buick for a short-head verdict. 

Charlie Appleby said: “Dropping back to six furlongs helped Nabati and they went a nice, sensible gallop. He stuck at it well and it was a good ride from William. I would imagine that we might have a look at the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint for him next.” 

William Buick added: “We thought we would ride Nabati slightly more forward today but he came out of the stalls a little awkward, so we ended up where we were. He was in a good rhythm and I got after him a bit earlier as he needed to fight, which he did. 

“The action unfolded away from him at Doncaster, so he probably didn’t have a hard race as a consequence. It was a brave call from Charlie to run him back here and the horse has repaid him.”