Dubai: Newmarket-based handler Charlie Appleby has crossed the Channel to France with the promising colt, Salsabeel, in a bid to secure a fourth Group 1 Poule d’Essai des Poulains (2,000 Guineas) victory for Godolphin, and a first since Shamardal won in 205.
Appleby is hoping that the flat track at Deauville, the temporary home for the Classic as Longchamp undergoes renovation, will bring out the best in the son of Exceed And Excel.
Salsabeel appeared not to enjoy the run down into the dip at Newmarket on his last start where he was narrowly beaten by a neck.
“The track just doesn’t suit him,” Appleby told the Godolphin website. “I was a little apprehensive about it before the race, but he confirmed that he doesn’t like it there.
“Deauville is a more conventional track, and I expect him to be better suited. Overall, I thought he ran well last time, and he is in good order for this race,” he added.
Salsabeel faces 12 rivals in a quality renewal of this French 2,000 Guineas. among them Godolphin’s unbeaten Inns Of Court, who is trained by Andre Fabre.
Fabre said. “He’s taking a big step up in class, from a conditions race to G1, as well as trying the one-mile distance for the first time,” the trainer said.
“But he’s in very good form, and based on his homework, he should run a good race. However, the unknown remains his ability to stay a mile as he shows a lot of speed at home.”
Brametot, already a Group race winner, is the ante-post favourite.
Latest Odds
Poule d’Essai des Poulains
Brametot, 9/2 Orderofthegarter, 5/1 National Defense, 7/1 Rivet, 8/1 Peace Envoy, 10/1 Inns Of Court, 12/1 Le Brivido, 14/1 Mankib, Spotify, 20/1 Salsabeel, South Seas, 25/1 African Ride, Kings Gift.
