Mill Stream is being rested to prepare for major sprinting events both domestically and internationally later this year.
Jane Chapple-Hyam’s four-year-old has had a strong season in sprint races, with victories in the 1895 Duke of York Clipper Stakes and the July Cup, as well as notable performances in Group One races at Royal Ascot. Despite a respectable fifth-place finish in the Prix Maurice de Gheest at Deauville earlier this month, he will skip the Betfair Sprint Cup at Haydock in September. The goal is to ensure he enters the latter part of the year in top condition.
Mill Stream's next targets are the Qipco British Champions Sprint Stakes at Ascot on October 19, followed by a trip to Hong Kong for the Longines Hong Kong Sprint at Sha Tin on December 8.
Chapple-Hyam noted that Mill Stream is currently taking a short break. Following this rest, he will start preparing for the Ascot race in October and subsequently travel to Hong Kong.
Chapple-Hyam also mentioned that after five races in two months, the decision was made to skip Haydock to ensure Mill Stream remains fresh for the upcoming races at Ascot and in Hong Kong. He will resume training on Monday and will gradually work towards being ready for October. Reflecting on last year, when Mill Stream arrived at Ascot in a tired state, the goal this year is to have him in optimal condition. There is considerable excitement surrounding his final two races of the year.