Radio takes Reef test

Brian Meehan believes Radiohead is the horse to fear when the Royal Ascot winner tackles six furlongs for the first time in the Dubai Duty Free Mill Reef Stakes at Newbury on Saturday.

The Manton trainer feels this is the right time to step the Norfolk Stakes victor up from the minimum distance after his great effort to finish third in the Group One Nunthorpe Stakes at York last month.

“We were delighted with Radiohead at York. It was a very good performance for a two-year-old against the older sprinters,” said Meehan.

“Things did not go well when he got a bump at the start, but he stayed on to good effect so we felt it is now time to step up to six furlongs.

“He has to carry a penalty against some interesting unexposed horses, but he is in very good form and looks the one they all have to beat.

“If all goes well here, he could well head to Newmarket for the Middle Park Stakes,” the trainer told www.brianmeehanatmanton.com.