Trainer Michael Dods is optimistic that Arapaho Gold can maintain his unbeaten streak in the upcoming Dubai Duty Free Mill Reef Stakes at Newbury. The colt, purchased for €42,000 as a yearling at the Goffs Orby sale, has won four consecutive races, including a narrow victory in the Group Two Gimcrack Stakes at York last month.

Dods described the horse as having “muscled up” since that race and noted that Arapaho Gold had a period of steady work before returning to full training intensity in recent days. “There is some pressure as he is unbeaten but we hope the horse can do the talking,” he said. Arapaho Gold will carry a 3-pound penalty as he travels approximately 520 miles to Berkshire for the event.

Among his possible eight rivals is the Charlie Appleby-trained Nabati, who finished just a neck behind Arapaho Gold over the same course and distance in July. Andrew Balding’s stable is also likely to be represented by Jolivette, who will compete in the race held in honor of Ian Balding, the late trainer known for managing the career of the 1970s champion Mill Reef.

Dods acknowledged that his horse would need to improve further to succeed. “We will give him one more blow on Wednesday and then it should be all systems go,” he added.

In a separate development, Andrew Balding discussed the plans for his leading filly Blue Bolt, who recently won the Matron Stakes at Leopardstown, marking a third consecutive top-level victory. Balding indicated that Blue Bolt is expected to continue her strong form in the Sun Chariot Stakes at Newmarket and then target the Breeders’ Cup event at Keeneland scheduled for October 30-31. This campaign for fillies and mares aims to build on her recent successes as she faces increasingly competitive fields.