CHARLIE HAVING A BALL
IT was very much “all his Christmases come at once” for Charlie Appleby after he saddled three winners at Newmarket, two of who head the betting for next year’s 2,000 Guineas, and also become the season’s leading trainer.to add to that bounty, the Newmarket-based trainer showed that he also has a worthy player for next year’s Derby.
After Native Trail staked his claim as the solid favourite for next year’s Guineas when taking the Darley Dewhurst Stakes, Appleby believes his stablemate Caroebus might just be the better prospect.
Caroebus showed what it takes to land a classic after his impressive victory in the Emirates Autumn Stakes.
Appleby is clearly enjoying a golden harvest that has seen him saddle the winner of this year’s English and Irish Derby, along with the St Leger.
“Me andwilliam (Buick, the partner of the two colts) slightly differ,” said Appleby. “Personally, I do like Coroebus, I think he is a supreme traveller.
“You can’t fault Native Trail. But at three years old when the horses are stronger and the pace of the races is quicker in these classics, one thing you have to be able to do is travel and that is something he has in abundance.”
Coral favour Native Trial at 3-1 for the Guineas with Coroebus 5-1. Paddy Power also take the same stance.
Regarding Native Trail, Appleby (below) said: “He’s a horse that will go into the winter as an exciting Guineas horse.”
This was endorsed by Cheltenham Gold Cup and Champion Hurdle winning rider Norman Williamson.
“I bought him this time last year as a yearling and brought him back here for the breeze-up sale,” said Williamson. Appleby also has a smart prospect for next year’s Derby in Goldspur, the winner of the Zetland Stakes, also ridden by Buick.
“I think he could make up into a Derby horse as he has definitely got the pace for it,” said Appleby.