Appleby’s Modern Games. Coady Photography
Nations Pride, Rebel’s Romance, Creative Force, Mischief Magic, Silver Knott, Midnight Mile, The Platinum Queen, Nashwa, Nashwa, Mishriff
Breeders’ Cup Notes/Edited
LEXINGTON, Ky.— Charlie Appleby who was recently crowned Champion Trainer in the UK for the second time was once again on track. His record of six wins from 11 runners at the Breeders’ Cup is described in the official media guide as “nothing short of sensational” and includes a hat trick of winners last year.
Appleby said, “We’ve been lucky, we’ve picked the right horses. The more you come over, the more you learn about each track. It helps us that we compete in America during the season, so that gives us a handle on how competitive we will be with certain horses.
“With Modern Games (IRE) (Mile) I was delighted with what I’ve seen this week. Nations Pride (IRE) (Turf) has that turn of foot that we saw in the Jockey Club Invitational, whereas Rebel’s Romance (IRE) (Turf) is a bigger individual, a solid mile-and-a-half horse. I wouldn’t say he’s got the same acceleration. It’ll be more of an effort for him to get round the turns, whereas the other fella will slip round.
“Creative Force (IRE) (Turf Sprint) being a hold-up type will need luck while Naval Crown (Turf Sprint) breaks well but is drawn in nine.
“Mischief Magic (IRE) (Juvenile Turf Sprint) will relish any roughness in running. Silver Knott (GB) (Juvenile Turf) could end up being a potential French Derby horse, similar to Modern Games, hopefully. One race at a time.”
Richard Fahey’s duo Midnight Mile (IRE) (Juvenile Fillies Turf) and The Platinum Queen (IRE) (Juvenile Turf Sprint) were the first horses out of the quarantine barn, both exercising on the training track.
Fahey, who was trackside, said, “Both horses are in good form. The draw for The Platinum Queen isn’t ideal in 12 but we’ll play with the card we’re dealt. She’s in great form and looks well. As for Midnight Mile she’s also in gate 12 in the other race but I’m not too worried about that for her. She’s straightforward and can be ridden in any way. They’ve both eaten and drank well all week so we’re ready for action tomorrow.”
Karl Burke arrived in Kentucky last night and was on track to see Dramatised (IRE) (Juvenile Turf Sprint). Burke said, “She’s in good order and Lucy Brocklehurst who rides her is very happy. She traveled well and has done everything right since. Hopefully she runs a big race.”
Joseph O’Brien who is back at the Breeders’ Cup after having a two-year absence due to being in Melbourne was on track to watch Above the Curve (Filly & Mare Turf) and Basil Martini (IRE) (Juvenile Fillies Turf). O’Brien said, “It’s great to be back. The horses have traveled over very well, and I expect them to run well. We’re all very happy.”
Three Turf Sprint contenders Emaraaty Ana (GB), Flotus (IRE) and Highfield Princess (FR) went on to the turf track.
Adam Ryan assistant trainer to his father Kevin said of Emaraaty Ana, “It’s nice to be out here, the horse is looking well. He is used to traveling so we know he travels well. He ran really well at Del Mar last year (fourth) and the extra half furlong will suit better this time round. He’ll love the ground so hopefully he goes well.”
Flotus breezed on the turf under the watchful eye of trainer Ed Crisford who said,
“She worked this morning on the turf and did it well. She’ll be spot on for Saturday after that and I’m very much looking forward to the race.”
John Gosden was trackside for the first time this morning. Nashwa (GB) (Filly & Mare Turf) was ridden by Hollie Doyle and Mishriff (IRE) (Turf) was ridden by Frankie Dettori.
Hollie Doyle said, “I rode Nashwa this morning on the training track, and she felt good. She taken the trip really well so far. She’s very relaxed and I couldn’t be happier.”
“All is well with both horses and it’s great to be back at the Breeders’ Cup,” Gosden said after training. They traveled over well and have been training well. They were playful on the track this morning; they jogged and then had a solid canter. Mishriff is a horse that has suffered from the deep, heavy ground that you get at the end of the year.
“He tried hard in the Arc, but he couldn’t go on that ground, and it will be different here, because they will have fast going which is what he wants. Frankie has been in my ear about coming here all year, he thinks a mile and a half on an easy track will suit the horse. I am a bit concerned what will happen if he is slowly away, should that happen, he could pay the price, but he has broken well in his last two starts.
“I thought the one race that got away from him was the Eclipse, where if he’d got the rub of the green, he would have won. I was happy with his run in the Irish Champion where he was a little adrift of the field but look, he’s a tough cookie and a five-year-old full horse with a good appetite for the game. He loves traveling and he loves new environments, remembering he’s been to Saudi three times.
“Nashwa is a very good filly. She’s in good form, looks great in her coat. She was last off the bridle in the Epsom Oaks but hit the stamina wall. A mile and a quarter is her ideal distance. The 9 and a half furlongs will be sharp enough for her round here. She’s not been over raced, and we’ve had this race in mind for a long time. You need to plan to come over here, it can’t be an afterthought.
Hollie Doyle takes the ride. She’s the first lady rider to win a French classic race which she did in the Prix de Diane. She’s a tremendous person, with a great work ethic. She’s a very talented rider and reminds me of Julie Krone. She has serious determination. She’s flown in from Japan for the ride and can adapt to anything.”
Past The Wire shows you the European horses: https://youtu.be/cqkL5qGpVpo
