"Is the next logical move for favored horse Mill Reef in the race the one to watch? - Can anyone dispute the form of Into The Sky?"
In the upcoming Group 2 Gimcrack Stakes, Rock On Thunder will be making an appearance, with trainer Kevin Ryan expressing confidence that the horse will perform admirably on softer ground. The race, set to take place at Newbury, follows a series of notable victories by Charyn and Haatem in the Mill Reef Stakes nearly a decade ago.
This year's Mill Reef Stakes promises to be an exciting affair, with horses boasting strong recent form, such as Words Of Truth and Rock On Thunder, set to compete. Kevin Ryan, a trainer known for fielding one of his best young prospects in the Gimcrack, may have a deeper bench of juveniles this season compared to Jim Boyle.
Jim Boyle's yard has seen success recently with Into The Sky, a horse that won its debut race at Newbury three weeks ago with a wide margin, despite being disregarded in the betting at 80-1. Into The Sky currently holds the joint-best Racing Post Rating (RPR) in Boyle's yard, along with smart handicapper Bad Company, who recorded a 103 RPR in 2023.
Simon Crisford, joint-trainer of Flying Comet, is also pleased with the horse's performance on soft ground. The Mill Reef Stakes has seen fewer high-profile winners in recent years compared to its past, but the race this year is shaping up to be competitive.
Rock On Thunder, bred to appreciate the conditions at Newbury, finished a length second in the Gimcrack Stakes to Lifeplan. Words Of Truth, sent by trainer Charlie Appleby for the Mill Reef Stakes, is aiming for a hat-trick after winning its last two starts at Ascot and Newmarket.
James Cowley, assistant to Karl Burke, trainer of Gold Queen, is optimistic about the horse's potential in the Mill Reef Stakes. The first two horses in the Gimcrack Stakes, Rock On Thunder and Lifeplan, had unmatched Topspeed figures that day. The race's subsequent performances by Into The Sky are yet to be seen, but the time was fast, and the race had representation from reputable owners.
As the Mill Reef Stakes approaches, trainers and horses are preparing for what promises to be an exciting race. The question remains whether Rock On Thunder can claim victory on softer ground, or if another horse will rise to the occasion and claim the top spot.
