IT may have been fast ground at Ayr but Newbury rode soft. It certainly suited Karl Burke’s Toocoolforschool, 4/1, who made all in the Group 2 Dubai Duty Free Mill Reef Stakes and came home seven lengths ahead of Growl with Kiraar third. Charlie Hills’ 11/8 favourite Strath Burn finished fourth but was never in the hunt.

The winner clearly met rivals who were below par but horses can do no more than win well. Placed in Group 3 and listed company, he appreciated dropping down to six furlongs and the cheekpieces also helped.“Now we know he likes the soft there could be something for him in France,” Burke said. “After York he was sold to Hong Kong but their vet failed him on a very minor issue. As he proved today, there’s nothing wrong with him.”