York winner denies Stike The Deal

The Barry Hills-trained Dark Angel (Acclamation - Midnight Angel, by Machiavellian) denied Group Two Richmond Stakes winner Strike The Deal to win the Group Two Dubai Duty Free Mill Reef Stakes over six furlongs at Newbury on Saturday.

Dark Angel went to the lead from the off for Michael Hills, with Philario and Strike The Deal in close attendance. He quickened nicely when challenged by Strike The Deal a furlong out, and hung on gamely to win by a neck from his rival, who ran well under his 3lb penalty.

Dark Angel won the valuable St Leger Yearling stakes at York's Ebor meeting last month, but his best form was when fourth to Winker Watson in the July Stakes at Newmarket.

Imroving Rowe Park lands World Trophy

The Group Three World Trophy over five furlongs saw the steadily improving Rowe Park (Dancing Spree - Magic Legs, by Reprimand) register his first pattern success.

The four-year-old gelding has had a busy season, starting on the all weather, and has improved from a mark of 55 to 100. He tracked Desert Lord today and, taken wide, out sprinted Enticing to the line to win in a manner that completely belied his odds of 25-1.