Godolphin trainer Appleby aims for a Newmarket double
GODOLPHIN HANDLER HAS LIVE CHANCES AT NEWMARKET’S GUINEAS
Charlie Appleby has not had a runner in three years in either of the English Guineas, but now the Godolphin handler has not one, but three live chances at this weekend’s renewal of the 2,000 Guineas (G1) and 1,000 Guineas (G1) at Newmarket, England.
The Englishman’s only taste of the ultra-competitive mile contests came in 2014, when Majeyda finished 6th behind Miss France in the fillies’ Classic and Outstrip trailed in last of 14 to Night Of Thunder in the race for colt’s.
Having sat out the subsequent three runnings of both races, Appleby has stormed back into the spotlight with Masar strongly fancied to provide Team Godolphin a fourth success in the famous race on Saturday.
On Sunday, Appleby will saddle up a pair of big players, Soliloquy and Wild Illusion in the 1,000 Guineas.
For the moment lets focus our attention on the 2,000 Guineas, a race that has been won by a horse with a UAE connection on nine occasions since Shadeed, triumphed in the colours of Shaikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, in 1985.
Masar, who demolished his rivals on his last appearance at Newmarket in the Group 3 Craven Stakes, has been seriously challenging Irish-trained Gustav Klimt for favouritism in most English betting markets.
The Aidan Obrien-trained son of Galileo is the winner of his last three starts including the Irish 2,000 Guineas Trial at Leopardstown last month.
However, the in-form Appleby who is seeking a maiden Guineas victory for himself, is hoping for a big run from the son of Dubawi.
“Masar came out of the Craven very well and he has pleased at home since that race,” the trainer said. “The signs are good. I’m very happy with him going into the Guineas, and I expect him to give a good account of himself.”
Meanwhile, Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance, who has won the 2,000 Guineas twice with Nashwan (1989) and Haafh (2004), has an equally strong representative in the regally bred Elarqam.
A son of the legendary Frankel, who claimed the colt’s Classic in 2001 en route to winning some of British racing’s most famous races including the Lockinge (G1), Queen Anne Stakes (G1) and Champion Stakes (G1), Elarqam is unbeaten in two starts including a resolute victory in the Group 3 Summerville Stakes at Newmarket last September.
Masar came out of the Craven very well. The signs are good. I’m very happy with him going into the Guineas, and I expect him to give a good account of himself.” Charlie Appleby » Godolphin trainer
Lacking experience
“The only doubt maybe is that he’s not as experienced as some of his rivals,” Johnston’s son and assistant Charlie told the Yorkshire Post. “He’s had two runs and that’s part of the reason he’s been to Newmarket for a racecourse gallop, to get a bit more experience and look around the place. We are very confident in our horse and we wouldn’t swap him for anything.”
The Middleham stable is also represented by Cardsharp, who is owned by Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai.
Aidan O’Brien, who bids to win the race for a ninth time, is likely to be represented by four runners, including Murillo, Saxon Warrior, US Nave Flag and the aforemention Gustav Klimt.