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| Staff Writer |
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Mick Appleby is plotting an ambitious end-of-season campaign for his star sprinter Annaf, with the Gr.1 Qipco British Champions Sprint Stakes at Ascot firmly on the radar following an encouraging performance at Newbury on Saturday.
The 5YO, who has proven a real money-spinner for the Rutland-based trainer, finished a creditable third in the Gr.3 Dubai International Airport World Trophy, signalling a return to form after a disappointing run in the Gr.1 Sprint Cup at Haydock earlier this month.
Appleby is now weighing up his options for Annaf, with a potential return to Saudi Arabia also under consideration. The gelding claimed a life-changing payday of nearly US$1 million when victorious in the Saudi National Bank 1351 Turf Sprint in Riyadh back in February.
"He ran very well, we were very pleased with him," Appleby reflected on the Newbury performance. "He was probably drawn on the wrong side and the (heavy) ground was a bit against him, but he ran well."
Before any potential international forays, Annaf could first attempt to defend his crown in the Gr.3 John Guest Racing Bengough Stakes at Ascot on October 7. The race proved a springboard to Group One success for the likes of Slade Power and Mabs Cross in recent years.
"He's in the Bengough at Ascot again, so we'll decide whether we are going to go there or not, then there's Champions Day and we'll probably go and have another tilt in Saudi with him, I would think," Appleby added.
Should Annaf line up on Qipco British Champions Day, he'll be looking to emulate the likes of Creative Force and Muhaarar, who both claimed the prestigious sprint in recent years. The race has a rich history, with previous winners including champion sprinters Lester Piggott, Dayjur, and Muhaarar.
Appleby is keen to draw a line under Annaf's subpar showing at Haydock, where the gelding encountered significant traffic problems. "He got murdered at Haydock, so it was nice to see him run a good race on Saturday," the trainer explained.
While Annaf flies the flag for the older horses, Appleby is also preparing a formidable two-pronged assault on the Breeders' Cup at Santa Anita. Big Evs, last year's Juvenile Turf Sprint victor, will attempt to double up in the Turf Sprint, while exciting juvenile Big Mojo is being aimed at this year's Juvenile Turf Sprint.
"They're both good and they're both going straight there now," Appleby confirmed. "They're both in good order."
The US$1 million Juvenile Turf Sprint and US$1 million Turf Sprint represent significant targets for the Rutland yard, with Big Evs attempting to join the elite club of multiple Breeders' Cup winners.
With Annaf leading the charge on home soil and a powerful team assembled for the Breeders' Cup, the Appleby stable is poised for a thrilling conclusion to the 2023 season. All eyes will be on Ascot come Champions Day, where the pride of Rutland will attempt to cement his status as one of Europe's premier sprinters before potentially seeking further riches on the international stage.