It’s fun and Games for Appleby at Longchamp

By SAM TURNER

CHARLIE APPLEBY-trained Modern Games looks set for a tilt at the Prix du Jockey Club after providing more Classic joy for Godolphin in yesterday’s Emirates Poule d’Essai des Poulains at Longchamp. Partnered by William Buick,

the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf winner was always well positioned in a race which favoured those who sat close to the pace. The combination quickened nicely in the straight to see off the challenge of Texas by a length-and-a-quarter. The smooth success provided some Guineas compensation for Buick, who was narrowly beaten by fellow Appleby horse Coroebus in the English version aboard Native Trail. With plenty of three-year-old talent at his disposal, the delighted Appleby is keen to keep Modern Games apart from the other ammunition in his stable. ‘We are very spoilt with the three colts that we have in Coroebus, Native Trail and Modern Games,’ Appleby told Sky Sports Racing. ‘Eventually they might have to lock horns once again but I see no reason not to let Modern Games have a go at the French Derby. ‘The first thing I said to William after the race was: “Do we think he’ll get further?” He said that Modern Games is so game and honest that it is worth a crack. He was the class horse in the race on two-year-old form and I was just delighted with the weather conditions as there’s one thing he loves and that’s quick ground.’ Fellow Newmarket handler George Boughey was narrowly denied a historic Guineas double when Qipco 1,000 Guineas winner Cachet was agonisingly beaten by Mangoustine in the Emirates Poule d’Essai des Pouliches.