EARLY WINS TO PUT A SPRING IN APPLEBY’S STEP
ENGLISH trainer Charlie Appleby is optimistic of continuing his white-hot Australian strike rate when Jungle Cat and Folkswood venture to Caulfield on Saturday.
Appleby has won seven races during the spring carnival since 2016, and also lifted last year’s Sydney Cup with Polarisation.
The trainer hopes Jungle Cat – winner of his past three starts in Dubai, including the Group 1 Al Quoz Sprint (1200m) in March – can land the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m).
“Jungle Cat travelled well to Australia and he has acclimatised well in his new surroundings,” Appleby said.
“He brings a good level of form to the race. Stepping up to seven furlongs should be perfect for him.
“We’ve had this race in mind for him for some time and he’s well prepared for it.”
Third in last year’s Cox Plate to Winx after a Cranbourne Cup win, Folkswood resumes in the Group 3 Naturalism Stakes (2000m).
“He ran well here in Australia on his last visit,” Appleby said.
“And if he can reproduce that form he is going to be very competitive. He has settled in well. We hope this race will serve as his prep for the Caulfield Cup (on October 20).”
Both horses will be ridden by English jockey James Doyle.
Stablemate Blair House is likely to appear in the Group 1 Underwood at Caulfield on September 29.
Appleby’s Werribeebased string will balloon on September 28 with the arrival of Emotionless, Cross Counter, Hamada and Comicas.