Dubai: Godolphin handler Charlie Appleby is rapidly maturing into a top trainer and victory in the £500,000 Epsom Oaks or £420,000 Coronation Cup, the two showpiece races on the opening day of the Epsom Derby Festival on Saturday, can provide the gateway into that echelon.
Appleby, whose Moulton Paddocks runners have been in rousing form since the season began in April, saddles leading chances in both the hot Group 1 contests.
Wild Illusion, fourth in the 1,000 Guineas (G1) at Newmarket earlier this month, can justify her strong favouritism and gift Godolphin a fourth victory in the 2,400 metre Oaks, following the successes of Kazzia (2002), Balanchine (1995) and Moonshell (1994).
“I’ve always believed the Guineas is the best ‘trial’ for Epsom, whether it be the Derby or Oaks, and I don’t think we’ve witnessed a stronger ‘trial’ from the fillies this year than what we saw at Newmarket,” Appleby told the Godolphin website.
“That form is holding up well. I’ve always thought that stepping up in trip was going to be Wild Illusion’s forte. We were very pleased the way she ran at Newmarket and the way she came out of it. She got on the front end early in the race, and she didn’t stop.” He added.
“She sets a good gallop and she maintains it well. It’s pleasing to see that she has progressed from two to three, and that she has held her ability at this high level.
“She’s bred to get the trip. A mile and a half is going to be her ‘gig,’” the trainer said
Wild Illusion faces eight rivals headed by a five-horse mob representing Britain and Ireland’s champion trainer, Aidan O’Brien who is seeking out a seventh fillies’ Classic.
O’Brien’s hopefuls include the first two home in the Listed Cheshire Oaks at Chester on May 9 — Magic Wand and Forever Together. Bye Bye Baby, winner of the Group 3 Blue Wind Stakes at the Curragh on May 12, 1,000 Guineas 11th I Can Fly and Lingfield Oaks Trial third Flattering complete O’Brien’s quintet.
The David Simcock-trained Ejtyah, who was third on her latest start in the Musidora at York, represents Abdullah Saeed Al Naboodah
Appleby’s Hawkbill returns to Epsom in a bid to make amends for his third place finish in the 2,400m Coronation Cup, twelve months ago.
Standing in his way is Cracksman, Europe’s highest-rated horse who is one of five rivals.
Appleby commented: “Hawkbill looks to be in great order at the moment.
“Cracksman will be a very tough horse to beat, but Hawkbill is a horse who relishes soft ground, so conditions at Epsom Downs will suit him.”
