Back-to-back Cups tempt Appleby
Melbourne Cup winning trainer Charlie Appleby believes Cross Counter (GB) (Teofilo {Ire}) could be back in 2019 to defend his title.
On the day after the 4-year-old's memorable win for Appleby and Godolphin, the trainer said that a decision on which races to target next year won't be made for some time, but a trip back for the Flemington feature made sense.
“We’ll formulate a plan in the new year," Appleby said. “I’d strongly imagine he’ll be back here next year.”
Even if he doesn’t come back with Cross Counter, Appleby, who has built an imposing record of success in Australia in recent years, thinks he has the formula to get it right.
"You need a horse that can stay and has gears," Appleby said. "I felt that’s what Cross Counter had and 24 hours later we know that’s what he has got."
"You can’t bring a dour stayer down here, it’s too good a race for that."
Kerrin McEvoy and Charlie Appleby with the 2018 Melbourne Cup
Another Cup for Coldie
Another Coldie (Snitzel) has collected his third country Cup in less than 12 months, winning the bet365 Kyneton Cup on Wednesday.
The Darren Weir trained 5-year-old had already won last November's Donald Cup and last month's Horsham Cup, and added the $125,000 feature on Wednesday to his haul.
Ridden by Derby winning hoop John Allen, he surged late to beat Rhythm To Spare (NZ) (Pins) by two lengths, with Kiwi Raider Our Big Mike (NZ) (Don Eduardo {NZ}) third.
Another Coldie has now won 10 of his 25 starts.
Blair House ready for G1 test
Charlie Appleby is looking for a third Group 1 for the Melbourne spring in Saturday's G1 Mackinnon S. with Blair House (GB) Pivotal {GB}) drawing barrier 2 in Saturday's race.
Blair House was last seen when a narrow second to Benbatl {GB} (Dubawi {Ire}) in the G1 Caulfield S. and Appleby believes he is cherry ripe to atone for that defeat on Saturday.
But he has substantial competition in Latrobe (Ire) (Camelot {GB}), who came up with barrier 3 on Saturday.
G1 Empire Rose Stakes winner Shillelagh (NZ) (Savebeel) backs up for trainer Chris Waller and James McDonald and jumps from barrier six, while Victoria Derby winner Extra Brut (Domesday) comes from barrier 9 in the ten-horse field.
Pricy Lady breaks maiden
Pricy filly A Proper Lady (I Am Invincible) broke through for her first win in the City 1200 maiden at Avondale on Wednesday.
The Brendan and Jo Lindsay-owned filly, who cost $420,000 at the 2017 Easter sales, was having her third start off the back of a runner-up finish at Tauranga
A Proper lady was a $420,000 Inglis Easter purchase
“She’s just taken a little bit to learn, her first start she over raced and her second start she led again which wasn’t ideal but we drew awkwardly,” trainer Lance Noble said.
“Today we were able to get her in behind and it was nice to see her win one, she still looks a bit green up the straight so she still has a bit to learn."
“I think she will keep developing nicely, it might not be this prep, it might be next prep but it is good to get that win under her belt.”
Enticing streak put to the test
Trainer Adam Durrant is confident that his star mare Enticing Star (Testa Rossa) can stretch her unbeaten streak to nine in Saturday's G2 Lee-Steere Stakes at Ascot.
It is the biggest test of the 5-year-old's credentials to date, but Durrant told Racing.com, he thinks the mare is up to it.
"Everything's perfect," he said on Wednesday. "She just had a little freshen up after the winter and she hasn't missed a beat."
"But she is taking on the big boys for the first time this Saturday and we'll see what she's made of."
Should she build on her streak on Saturday, Enticing Star would then be set for the G1 Winterbottom S. on December 1.
