ALKUMAIT WINS THE GROUP 2 MILL REEF STAKES

Alkumait looked every inch a high-class colt in winning the Group 2 Mill Reef Stakes at Newbury on Saturday with something to spare in the colours of Sheikh Hamdan.

Settled at the rear of the field he made smooth progress to lead a furlong out before keeping on strongly to beat the favourite Fivethousandtoone by three quarters of a length without being at all hard ridden by Jim Crowley.

It was a thoroughly pleasing performance though there were a few alarms beforehand as he displayed signs of inexperience on the way to the start in the blustery conditions.

Crowley explained “He was panicking as my colours were flapping in the wind so I had to hack him down steadily.

“But Alkumait was nicely switched off once the race started. It was all so smooth really. He showed a good turn of foot before idling after he hit the front.“ Crowley could not disguise his belief that the winner is up with the best of Sheikh Hamdan’s juveniles as he said “He took a massive step forward today. Minzaal won the Gimcrack and it is nice to have two high class six furlong two year olds.“ While clearly delighted by the manner of his colt’s victory Marcus Tregoning suggested that he was still a work in progress.

“I do think he is pretty smart. He showed a good attitude, and can handle quick ground or a bit of cut.

“He is a lovely type by Showcasing, the sire of Mohaather and won his maiden without any fuss at Goodwood where he collected a £25,000 bonus for being a Tattersalls sale Book one purchase.

“We will discuss future plans with Sheikh Hamdan and are treating him as a proper horse”.