CHARLIE APPLEBY is targeting more Classic glory after saddling the one-two in Qipco 2,000 Guineas.
The trainer, who saw Coroebus edge out Native Trail at Newmarket on Saturday, saddles Cazoo Derby hope New London in the Boodles Chester Vase at the Roodee on Wednesday. New London, unbeaten in his two outings, is the 6-1 second favourite for the Epsom Classic with Coral, behind 5-2 market leader Luxembourg.
New London looked a high-class horse when making a successful debut at Newmarket in the autumn and confirmed that impression on his return to action at the Craven meeting. Taking on another previous winner in Aldous Huxley, New London doubled his tally and looked better the further he went, so this step up to a mile and a half should be right up his street.
Appleby, successful in last year’s Derby with Adayar, is also hoping Walk Of Stars books his ticket for Epsom when he runs in Saturday’s Lingfield Derby Trial.
Last season Adayar finished second at Lingfield behind Third Realm before taking the blue riband at Epsom under Adam Kirby. Bookmakers are not taking any chances with Walk Of Stars as the colt is 10-1 for the Derby.
As for Luxembourg, Aidan O’Brien was delighted with his colt’s third place in the Guineas. He said: “Luxembourg just clipped heels after going 50 yards and he did well to finish where he did. I think he will go straight to Epsom.”
Buckaroo, partnered by Shane Cross, will head for the Irish 2,000 Guineas after his impressive victory at the Curragh yesterday. Winning trainer Joseph O’Brien said: “I was really happy with that.” Native Trail heads the betting at 8-15 for the Irish Classic with Buckaroo a 5-1 chance.
