Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Appleby ace set to make it Big
Superstar filly can be Arc angel at Chantilly
ENABLE can carry Frankie Dettori into the record books with victory in tomorrow’s Prix de l’arc de Triomphe (3.05, ITV) at Chantilly. A fifth success in Europe’s biggest race would make the
Italian the most decorated rider in the great contest’s 97-year history. And Enable’s form towers above that of her 17 rivals — the John Gosden-trained star filly lines up on the back of four Group 1 wins. The first came with a five-length BIG COUNTRY can pull off a long-term plan with a victory in the Betfred Cambridgeshire (3.35, ITV4) at Newmarket today.
Trainer Mick Appleby – twice successful in the historic handicap’s consolation race – the Silver Cambridgeshire, has lined up the ex-irish four-yearold for this afternoon’s test after a fine second in the John Smith’s Cup at York in July.
“It’s always been the plan to keep him for the Cambridgeshire,” said Appleby (right) yesterday.
“We were going to run in the Doonside Cup at Ayr last week, it but only as a prep for tomorrow. He’s in very good order – he’s spot on. You always get a good gallop in the Cambridgeshire and I think he should go close.”
It’s not hard to share Appleby’s optimism.
Big Country has won three times since joining the Rutland trainer from Charles O’brien, including the Rosebery Handicap at Kempton and a valuable event at York – and there is more to come.
A strong gallop over nine furlongs on rain-softened ground looks ideal and a big run looks on the cards for the mount of champion jockey-elect Silvestre de Sousa.