Saturday's ITV meeting at Newbury features the Group Two Mill Reef Stakes, renowned for producing top colts. Unbeaten Arapaho Gold headlines the market as he aims for a rare Gimcrack-Mill Reef double, but history shows this is a tough feat. Instead, Nabati, at 4/1, is tipped as the smart bet. Having been narrowly beaten by Arapaho Gold over course and distance, Nabati is expected to benefit from a drop back to six furlongs and a favorable weight advantage. Expect a thrilling race, but Nabati is the recommended selection.
Odds and betting predictions for the 2026 Mill Reef Stakes
This Group Two headlines the card at Newbury on Saturday 19th September
We're backing Nabati against Arapaho Gold
Connor Beasley riding Arapaho Gold (white/yellow) win The Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Gimcrack Stakes at York. (Getty)
This Saturday's ITV meeting at Newbury is headlined by the Group Two Mill Reef Stakes. This top juvenile contest has produced many an outstanding colt, including future Group One winners like Mon Fils, Dark Angel, Ribchester and Harry Angel.
Here's our free guide to the 2026 Mill Reef Stakes, including our best betting tips.
2026 Mill Reef Stakes Odds
Name
Odds
Arapaho Gold
6/5
Jolivette
3/1
Nabati
4/1
Adaay Of Scarlett
9/1
Bar
12/1
2026 Mill Reef Stakes Runners
A healthy field of eight has been declared for Saturday's feature at Newbury. The betting is dominated by Michael Dods' unbeaten colt Arapaho Gold, who'll be looking to complete the Gimcrack and Mill Reef Stakes double.
As this year's Mill Reef is being run in honour of Ian Balding, Andrew Balding's filly Jolivette is likely to come in for support. Nabati has been confirmed by Charlie Appleby, despite only finishing third in Listed company at Doncaster last week.
Hugo Palmer will give another run to experienced juvenile Adaay Of Scarlett, who was beaten four lengths by Arapaho Gold when the two met at York. Richard Hannon's Cut A Dash, fourth in the Coventry earlier in the season, will also be looking to bounce back from a couple of poor recent runs.
Kevin Ryan will be hoping to see Matteo bounce back following a seventh-place finish in the Gimcrack. Mr Macartney has been confirmed in the line-up by Oli Rix. Karl Burke's Goodwood handicap winner Revels completes the field.
2026 Mill Reef Stakes Tips
It's very hard to knock Arapaho Gold. Michael Dods' star was well in command when he extended his winning streak in the Gimcrack, and the runner-up that day, Final Objective, dropped back in trip to win the Flying Childers at Doncaster last week.
Since this Group Two was created in 1960, only Caspar Netscher (2011) has won the Gimcrack and the Mill Reef in the same season. It's clearly a difficult double to pull off. So, while I respect Arapaho Gold, I'm going to take him on with NABATI (4/1).
Nabati (second right) is touched off by Arapaho Gold in the Rose Bowl at Newbury. (Getty)
Charlie Appleby's colt has already been beaten by Arapaho Gold this season. That defeat came over this course and distance too, as Dods' unbeaten star claimed a narrow victory over Nabati in the Rose Bowl Stakes in July.
After another experience-gathering novice win at Newmarket in August, Nabati stepped back into Pattern company in the Flying Scotsman Stakes last week. Buick decided to position the even-money favourite at the rear of the field and had to circumnavigate his rivals along the inside to get involved. Just when it seemed like Nabati was in a position to challenge, his effort flattened out and Forbidden Fire scampered clear to claim a comfortable win.
Appleby wouldn't have been too discouraged by that defeat, given the way the race panned out. He often trains his top juveniles for a busy autumn campaign, and the eight-day turnaround between the two races suggests that Nabati has taken a step forward from that run at Doncaster.
Dropping back to six furlongs is a smart move, and Buick will be happy with his draw in stall five. Nabati only has a neck to find with Arapaho Gold from their clash in the Rose Bowl, and the favourite will have to give Appleby's colt three pounds when they reoppose at Newbury.
Available to new customers only. Make a qualifying deposit of £5 or more and claim the offer within 30 days of registering your account to qualify for 300% of that amount in Bet Credits, up to a maximum of £30 in Bet Credits. Once released, your Bet Credits will be held in your account balance and are non-withdrawable. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Registration required. Time limits and T&Cs apply. The bonus code NEWBONUS can be used during registration but does not change the offer amount in any way. #ad
