Repeat visits pay off for English trainer
AT the same time Charlie Appleby was lining the pockets of Australian punters two years ago, the astute trainer was building a bank of knowledge that was the catalyst for Cross Counter winning yesterday’s Melbourne Cup.
Appleby made an immediate impression in Australia in 2016, winning feature races with lesser horses like Folkswood, Qewy, Oceanographer and Francis Of Assisi.
He also won a Sydney Cup with Polarisation and earlier this spring won a Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke with Jungle Cat.
Cross Counter brought a superior level of European form to the table than Appleby’s previous Cup aspirants and his class shone as he came from well back to overhaul Marmelo and complete a stunning year for trainer, who only at the weekend was enjoying Breeders’ Cup success in the US.
Appleby described his 2016 spring visit as “huge” in terms of the knowledge he gained about Australian racing.
“It doesn’t matter where you go in the world, we’re a young team and you’ve got to pick up what is right for the horses you’re bringing down,” he said.
“I learned a couple of years ago, it’s tough at times to back up quickly.
“So I purposely wanted to run (Cross Counter) back in Europe and he finished second and galloped out strongly that day.
“He was wrapped up and put away and from that point on, this has been his goal.”
Appleby identified Cross Counter as a Melbourne Cup candidate very early in his career.
“He stamped himself the day he won the Gordon Stakes (at Goodwood),” he said.
“I wanted to run him there, rather than bring him here (for a lead-up run).”