Mill Reef absentee likely to have Middle Plans scuppered by the weather.
Adrian Keatley’s promising colt, Symbol Of Strength, is on the verge of an international showdown at the Breeders' Cup after withdrawing from the Mill Reef Stakes at Newbury due to adverse weather conditions. The Kodiac colt, who recently impressed with a determined Group Three win in the Sirenia Stakes at Kempton, was poised for a step up to Group Two company over the weekend. However, a torrential downpour early Saturday morning left the Newbury track heavy, forcing Keatley to make a last-minute decision to pull him from the race.
Heavy rain between 5am and 7am wreaked havoc on the track, leaving it unsuitable for Symbol Of Strength, who had proven himself on quicker ground in previous outings. For Keatley, the decision was clear: “He’s too good a horse to be running on that ground," the Classic-winning trainer said, opting to err on the side of caution.
With the Mill Reef Stakes off the table, Symbol Of Strength’s next move could be far from British shores, as the Breeders' Cup in California looms as an exciting option to conclude his remarkable juvenile campaign.
"No-Brainer" to Skip Newbury
The decision to sidestep Newbury was not made lightly, but Keatley knew what was at stake. Having shown significant talent with a third-place finish as an 80-1 outsider in the prestigious Gimcrack Stakes at York, Symbol Of Strength proved he belonged among top-tier competition with a gutsy victory at Kempton.
Despite being ready for another test in the Mill Reef Stakes, Mother Nature had other plans. With heavy rain saturating the track in a matter of hours, Keatley chose to keep his star colt out of action rather than risk him on unsuitable ground.
“We had about 15 millimeters of rain between 5am and 7am, which is a hectic amount of rain,” Keatley explained. “He’s already shown he can handle Group Three and Group Two level competition, so it was a no-brainer not to run him."
Keatley's decision reflects not just a cautious approach, but a deep understanding of what it takes to manage a horse with serious potential. With the colt's future at the forefront of his mind, he added, “He’s too good to be wasted on ground that doesn’t suit him.”
Eyes on Newmarket or the Breeders' Cup
While the Mill Reef Stakes is behind him, Keatley is now assessing the next best step for Symbol Of Strength. One option is the Group One Juddmonte Middle Park Stakes, scheduled for next weekend at Newmarket. However, the weather forecast is less than favorable, with rain expected once again, putting that race in doubt.
“It’s looking like the weather is going to be the same for Newmarket, so I’d say the ground is going to be gone for him there as well,” Keatley noted, sharing his concerns about the challenging conditions that could arise in the coming days.
Although the Juddmonte Middle Park Stakes remains an enticing option, Symbol Of Strength’s team is seriously considering an exciting alternative: the Breeders' Cup in California. This prestigious international event would mark a significant step up for the young colt, offering him a chance to test his mettle against some of the world’s best juveniles on the grand stage.
“The Breeders’ Cup is a possibility,” Keatley revealed, though there is a twist in the tale. “There’s plenty of enquiries for him,” the trainer added, signaling that Symbol Of Strength has caught the eye of potential buyers. “If he’s not sold, the Breeders’ Cup is definitely an option.”
What’s Next for Symbol Of Strength?
The colt’s future is undeniably bright, but as Keatley admitted, “It’s all up in the air at the moment.” The coming days will determine whether Symbol Of Strength stays on British soil for Newmarket or takes a flight across the Atlantic to the Breeders' Cup, but one thing is certain—he’s a rising star in the racing world.
His performance in the Sirenia Stakes at Kempton showed resilience and a winning attitude, while his earlier third-place finish at York in the Gimcrack was a testament to his ability to perform under pressure. If the weather cooperates, the Middle Park Stakes could be a perfect stepping stone to round off his juvenile campaign, but if not, the allure of the Breeders' Cup offers a thrilling international opportunity.
Symbol Of Strength is poised for greatness, whether in England or California. His name is one to watch, as Adrian Keatley carefully plots the next chapter for his unbeaten colt, ensuring that this remarkable season is only the beginning of a stellar career.
