Mill Stream to be saved for Ascot and Sha Tin targets

Jane Chapple-Hyam eyeing British Champions Day and Hong Kong Sprint double.

Mill Stream is being freshened up ahead of a shot at big sprinting prizes both at home and abroad later in the year.

Jane Chapple-Hyam’s four-year-old has been a consistent performer in the speed events this term, winning the 1895 Duke of York Clipper Stakes before placing in Group One company at Royal Ascot and then opening his account at the highest level when claiming the July Cup.

He was a respectable fifth when seeking further top honours at Deauville in the Prix Maurice de Gheest earlier this month, but after a busy first half to the 2024 campaign, will skip Haydock’s Betfair Sprint Cup in September, with connections eager to head into the latter part of the year in peak form.

Next up will be a second crack at Ascot’s Qipco British Champions Sprint Stakes, after which the son of Gleneagles will make a trip to the Far East for the valuable Longines Hong Kong Sprint at Sha Tin on December 8.

“He’s turned out, having a little mini-break and then at this stage he will be next seen at Ascot on October 19, then on to Hong Kong,” said Chapple-Hyam.

Mill Stream after winning the July Cup
Mill Stream after winning the July Cup (David Davies for the Jockey Club/PA)

“He’s had five runs in two months and we just felt if we wanted to go to Champions Day with not a tired horse, it was wise to miss Haydock and get him fresh and ready for Ascot and then a trip to Hong Kong.

“He’ll come back in on Monday and will slowly work his way up to being prepared for October.

“Last year, when he went to Ascot, he went there a tired horse and this year we want to go there with a solid chance. Everyone is looking forward to the two runs at the back-end of the year.”

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