Saturday 19 September 2020

Frankel Watch: Fivethousandtoone Runner-Up in Mill Reef Stakes (Group 2)

Andrew Balding's two-year-old Frankel offspring did Kingsclere proud when finishing runner-up to Alkumait at Newbury when contending the Dubai Duty Free Mill Reef Stakes (Group 2). 

Racing in the familiar silks of King Power Racing Co Ltd, this strapping son of Frankel started 5/2f to beat an eight-strong field. 

Travelling powerfully, Fivethousandtoone ran on well to dual out the finish with Marcus Tregoning's Alkumait who looked a touch inexperienced but finished with great gusto to deny the Balding team who hoped to win the race named after Mill Reef who was similarly trained at Kingsclere in the ownership of Paul Mellon and trained by Ian Balding. He proved an exceptional colt winning major races from 1970 - 1972, including the Epsom Derby (1972). 

The Mill Reef Stakes (Group 2) was inaugurated in 1972. 

Fivethousandtoone lost little in defeat losing by three-quarters of a length, but leaving the third horse Rhythm Master some two-and-three-quarter lengths behind in third. 

See the full result here.

It's most likely Fivethousandtoone will be earmarked for the Dewhurst Stakes (Group 1) that takes place on Saturday 10th October 2020. 

Good luck to connections.

Photo: Bahrain Pride beats Fivethousandtoone on debut at Windsor