Newbury Races: Tips, racecards, odds and best bets for Mill Reef day live on ITV Racing today

AYR hosts the days big race, but there is more than enough action to enjoy at Newbury.

There are three Group races with the Mill Reef Stakes the best of the bunch as a number of smart juveniles put their credentials on the line.

PA:Press Association

Race 2 – 1.40 Dubai International Airport World Trophy Stakes (Group 3)

Equilateral heads the betting for the Charlie Hills stable and in my book he’s a questionable favourite.

His best runs have come earlier in the campaign and he’s not reached those levels since.

I’d be taking him on at current odds even if he’s dropping significantly in class. There’s often not much between sprinters between this level and those just short of Group 1 level.

Preference is for James Bethell’s MOSS GILL who has slightly less miles on the clock than plenty of these.

He tends to run his best efforts up at York, but that has carried across to flat, galloping tracks before and he should have no excuses at Newbury.

After his Listed win at York, he ran well in the Nunthorpe when third to Battaash.

He ran below par at Doncaster last time out, but you can always forgive a horse one run and he’d be much shorter here without that.

He’s only 2lbs short of Equilateral on the ratings, but there could still be more improvement to come at four and he’s over double his price.

Tis Marvellous has an abovious chance for the reliable Cox and Kirby team. While three-year-old Lazuli has a bit to prove in this grade.

Of the outsiders Tinto may be worth a second look at big odds with blinkers back on for the first time.

SELECTION: Moss Gill

BIG-PRICE STAB: Tinto

Race 3 – 2.15 Dubai Duty Free Handicap

This is about as competitive a handicap as you’ll find and I can make a case for half the field.

But trailing at the bottom of the betting is BREDEN and he has to be chanced at huge odds.

He’s ten now which is the obvious worry, but he won over course and distance only five runs back and is now 6lbs lower than that.

He’s shown very little of late, but has had the odd excuse in competitive heats and returns to his favoured track. At the time of writing 50-1 is available and that’s a huge price.

Ouzo is the other stab. He was punted off the boards before his run at Royal Ascot but could only manage eighth.

But he improved on that in a hot handicap at the Ebor Festival and has been dropped a pound. He still looks well treated off 94 and should win a decent pot before the season is out.

At shorter prices Ilaraab has very obvious claims, as does the John Gosden-trained Tenbury Wells.

One time Craven Stakes favourite Royal Marine is another fascinating contender but is starting to disappoint.

SELECTIONS: Breden & Ouzo

Race 4 – 2.50 Dubai Duty Free Legacy Cup Stakes (Group 3)

Only the four go here, and it’s hard to find much of a betting angle.

Extra Elusive has improved again this season, and is easily the one to beat in this. But he’s been well found in the betting and this is his toughest test.

I couldn’t be backing him at odds under the 2-1 mark, not that the 3lbs penalty makes much difference.

Elarqam drops back in class but has had a quiet season after promising much last year. He wouldn’t be for me.

Last year’s winner Desert Encounter is yet to win this season and is also becoming harder to find spots for. This has everything he likes but he’s also short enough considering his form.

If I was to chance one it would be the outsider GIFTS OF GOLD who won his first start back on these shores by six lengths. He could spring a surprise here and might yet have more to offer.

TENTATIVE NOD: Gifts Of Gold

Race 5 – 3.25 Dubai Duty Free Mill Reef Stakes (Group 2)

This looks a serious Group 2 and should throw up a smart couple of horses for next season.

Bahrain Pride would be the pick but the ground is a question mark for him as it continues to dry out.

If he takes to it then I make him the one to beat for the Crisford team, but it’s complete guesswork on paper.

RHYTHM MASTER must have a serious future after finishing third in a Group 1 on only his second start.

Again the ground is a question that needs answering, but Dark Angels tend to go on anything.

His run in France showed his raw ability and he may have finished even closer had the race panned out differently.

He’d be the bet for me here.

At bigger odds I wouldn’t put anyone off chancing Clive Cox’s FIRST EDITION.

SELECTIONS: Rhythm Master & First Edition