Guru can Eclipse rest
CHRIS Connett has spent enough time around Charlie Appleby to grasp just how adept the Godolphin trainer is at precision targeting.
Appleby’s formidable credits include Melbourne Cup and Epsom Derby wins, achievements previously unattained by the Blue Army despite its enviable resources.
As accomplished as Appleby is on the highest tier, his faculty to pluck lower-hanging fruit is remarkable.
In 2016, Appleby brought an eclectic mix of former jumpers and mid-tier stayers to Australia and won the Geelong Cup with Qewy, Lexus Stakes with Oceanographer and Bendigo Cup and Queen Elizabeth Stakes with Francis Of Assisi.
The English trainer has continued the trend since, rising to Group 1 level with Cross Counter and Jungle Cat.
At Sandown today, Appleby will unleash Setting Sail and D’bai in black type contests.
Connett expects the pair to go close. Setting Sail will contest the Group 3 Eclipse Stakes (1800m) as TAB $2.20 favourite. D’bai sits at the head of Group 3 Kevin Heffernan Stakes (1300m) betting at $2.80. James Doyle rides both gallopers.
Setting Sail, a last-start Epsom winner, is described by Appleby’s travelling foreman as a “solid horse right on the borderline of being a Listed or Group horse”.
“Charlie and the team back home have pinpointed this race and his strike rate down here is very good, so we go to the races with some confidence,” Connett said. “Setting Sail has been working nicely and he’s going well.”
D’bai hasn’t raced since pulling up lame after a torrid introduction to Australian racing when eighth in the All
Aged Stakes behind Pierata at Randwick in April. “He came out of that race a little scratchy, but he’s fine now,” Connett said. “We’re very happy with the way he’s been training and hopefully he can run a big race, too.”
Connett will leave Melbourne for Dubai on Wednesday with the Godolphin team.
Cross Counter, a luckless eighth in his Melbourne Cup defence, will likely remain there for the Dubai Gold Cup.