Doyle eyes return as Arapaho Gold targets fifth win at Newbury
Jockey Hollie Doyle has identified Michael Dods’ unbeaten gelding Arapaho Gold as the primary contender in Saturday’s Group Two Mill Reef Stakes, while confirming her return to competitive riding is weeks away.
The Group Two Mill Reef Stakes at Newbury on Saturday will serve as the focal point for a high-profile racing card, with Michael Dods’ gelding Arapaho Gold positioned as the key contender. The horse, who has secured four victories from four starts this season, is aiming to extend his unbeaten record to five wins from five in the Dubai Duty Free Mill Reef Stakes.
Trainer Michael Dods has described Arapaho Gold as the best juvenile he has ever trained, citing the horse’s consistent form and prior success at the course and distance. Arapaho Gold previously won the Listed Rose Bowl earlier in the season and the Gimcrack Stakes, establishing a strong foundation for his current campaign.
The main threat to Arapaho Gold’s record is Godolphin’s Nabati, who was expected to be progressive until stumbling in the Listed Flying Scotsman Stakes at Doncaster last week. Charlie Appleby is backing the horse up quickly, giving him an opportunity to prove his capabilities at this level. Additionally, the revitalised Breeders’ Cup winner Starlust is expected to contest the Dubai International Airport World Trophy Stakes, posing a threat in the lower-grade field.
In the Ladbrokes Ayr Gold Cup at Ayr, Hollie Doyle has named Binhareer as her primary selection. The grey, trained by William Haggas, is considered a stakes horse in the making following a strong performance in the Group Three Hackwood Stakes in July. Doyle’s secondary option is Far Above Dream, who finished close in a competitive handicap at York, a result that was validated by the subsequent performance of the third-placed horse at the Curragh.
Doyle also provided a significant update on her recovery from a broken leg sustained at Bath in May. She reported that she has returned to using a riding simulator, a milestone in her rehabilitation process. Doyle noted that while her knee and ankle coordination had previously been a concern, she is now seeing satisfactory results from her rigorous routine.
Her rehabilitation programme at Oaksey House in Lambourn includes daily gym sessions, physiotherapy, and hydro pool work. Doyle indicated that she is on track to return to competitive riding in a matter of weeks rather than months, having maintained her fitness through the recovery period.
