McMahon set on Newbury double bid

Ed McMahon is looking forward to giving Temple Meads another chance to open his Pattern-race account in the Dubai Duty Free Mill Reef Stakes at Newbury on Saturday.

The chestnut followed up a Newmarket debut win with an impressive victory in Newbury’s Weatherbys Super Sprint, but lost his unbeaten record when only fourth in the Gimcrack Stakes at York.

McMahon feels circumstances conspired against his speedy juvenile on the Knavesmire though, and is confident of a bold show this weekend under more waiting tactics.

“He’s going for the Mill Reef and I think the ground will be good, which suits him well,” said McMahon.

“We had the choice of either this or the Flying Childers at Doncaster, but we’re going for this.

“We never really had our way in the Gimcrack. He ran a bit free and we just hope with Richard (Mullen) back on board, he can ride a bit of a hold-up race.

“If we get beat we get beat, but we still feel we have every chance of running well, so we’ll give it a go and he’s very well in himself.”

It could turn out to be a big afternoon for the Lichfield handler as he will also saddle recent Curragh winner Astrophysical Jet in the Dubai Airport World Trophy.

“She’ll take her chance and we’re going for this rather than the Prix de l’Abbaye as I don’t want her to pick up a penalty for next year,” McMahon added.

“She seems in good form and I just thought we’d be better going for this.

“We’re looking forward to it as it’s not often you go to Newbury for two Group races with two good chances.”