sport

Colombo among Reef possibles

Cristoforo Colombo is among 13 confirmations for the Dubai Duty Free Mill Reef Stakes at Newbury on Saturday.

The Aidan O'Brien-trained colt was a late withdrawal from the Vincent O'Brien Stakes won by Dawn Approach at the Curragh on Saturday.

Third to Dawn Approach in the Coventry at Royal Ascot, he was last seen coming down in the Railway Stakes after clipping heels.

One place behind Cristoforo Colombo at the Royal meeting was the Richard Hannon-trained Sir Prancealot, who returned to winning ways in the Flying Childers at Doncaster on Friday.

He is not a certain starter, however, and Hannon told his website: "The Middle Park looks the race for Sir Prancealot, but he has come out of the Flying Childers in such great form that we have left him in Saturday's Mill Reef Stakes at Newbury, in which we also have Master Of War.

"I will talk to Andrew Tinkler (owner) and decide whether to go to Newbury or wait for Newmarket on October 13."

Gimcrack runner-up Heavy Metal, who beat Master Of War at Goodwood, has been left in by Mark Johnston, and John Gosden has an interesting contender in once-raced Yarmouth maiden winner Taayel.

Mick Channon's Cay Verde, third in the Gimcrack, was a Group Three winner in France last time out, while Marco Botti's Moohaajim, not beaten far in fifth behind Reckless Abandon in the Prix Morny, is another to stand his ground.

Michael Bell can call on Kimberella but said: "Kimberella's been left in, but we could do with a drop of rain for him."

Further Irish interest comes in the shape of Cougar Ridge (David Wachman) and Wexford Opera (Jim Bolger).