Coro Blimey
Appleby’s new star shocks favourite in 2000 Guineas heat
Coroebus continued Charlie Appleby’s amazing run in the Qipco 2000 Guineas at Newmarket.
The colt was a well-backed 5/1 shot for the first Classic but he was still seen by most as the Godolphin handler’s second-string behind warm 5/4 jolly Native Trail.
The son of Dubawi always travelled powerfully on the far side under James Doyle as Jason Hart set a potent early pace on 33/1 outsider
Royal Patronage.
Doyle kicked for home a furlong out and he received an instant response from his partner who powered into a useful lead.
The three-year- old has been regarded as a weak finisher in the past and he faced an instant test of his mettle as Native Trail came with a dangerous late run.
However, he showed both class and guts to deny his stablemate by a length and give his handler a first win in the historic Group 1.
Luxembourg (9/2) was caught out by the hot pace early on but he boosted his
Epsom Derby claims by staying- on strongly to finish third.
Appleby said: “I felt that we had two live contenders coming into today. The draw didn’t worry me. They were good horses racing in a straight line, just keep it simple.
“Like any good horse Coroebus has a lot of natural pace and when they have that aligned with the physique you can’t help but get excited about them.”
“I expect the winner will go to the St James’s Palace at Royal Ascot and Native Trail will go to the Curragh for the Irish 2000 Guineas.”
Doyle added: “My only worry was getting left without any cover but after half-a-furlong I was pretty happy. He warmed into the race very easily. My God he’s got potential. The turn of foot he showed there was incredible.”
Coroebus is a general 10/1 shot for the Epsom Derby.