King Robert aims for Mill Reef Stakes crown

THE unbeaten King Robert is among the 16 runners for Saturday’s £75,000 Dubai Duty Free Mill Reef Stakes at Newbury on the climactic day of the two-day meeting.

The only unbeaten horse among the confirmations is the Bryan Smart-trained mount. The son of Royal Applause won a five-furlong maiden at Carlisle in June and came through to claim a six-furlong conditions race at Chester last month.

“He handles soft ground, as he proved at Carlisle, but I wouldn't want it too soft," said the trainer.

Mark Johnston has five runners, including Coventry Stakes winner Buratino, while champion trainer Richard Hannon has Gutaifan ready for a quick return to the track after winning the Flying Childers Stakes at Doncaster last week when another Hannon entry, Log Out Island, was third.

The race is one of seven on the card, which will be followed by a performance from UK music legends Madness as they near the end of their 'Grandslam Madness' UK tour.

The Dubai Duty Free International Meeting starts on Friday with the £37,000 Listed Dubai Duty Free Cup the highlight.