By Sam Turner
Charlie Appleby, fresh from a highly successful week on both sides of the Atlantic, is turning his attentions to the Southern Hemisphere for the first time in five years.
Godolphin’s in-form handler saw Guineas winner Notable Speech bounce back to form with a stunning Sussex Stakes success at Goodwood last week before jetting to the US to saddle Cinderella’s Dream ahead of her facile win in the Saratoga Oaks.
William Buick was onboard for both victories and the two-time Champion Jockey could be headed to Australia in the autumn as Appleby has made “realistic entries” in both the Caulfield Cup (October 19) and Cox Plate (October 26).
Multiple G1 winner Rebel’s Romance, last seen when a creditable third in the King George at Ascot last month, is one of four entries for the 2400m G1 Caulfield Cup along with stablemates Measured Time, fourth in the Dubai Turf and subsequent winner of the Manhattan Stakes, Nations Pride and the resurgent Silver Knott who has rattled up a hat-trick in the US since late April.
Both Measured Time and Nations Pride are also possible runners in the 2040m Cox Plate a week after the Caulfield Cup as Appleby displayed his intentions to have his first Australian runners since 2019.
RV general manager of racing operations Paul Bloodworth revealed he was pleasantly surprised when he met up with Appleby on a recent visit to the UK that he showed interest in again nominating for Melbourne with the likes of one of the world's best gallopers in Rebel's Romance, who has been entered for the Caulfield Cup.
“When I met Charlie Appleby at Newmarket, I didn't get the sense that he would probably enter horses of such quality but it's fantastic that he has,” Bloodworth said.
“He and I exchanged a couple of messages and he confirmed they are very realistic entries. They are not just horses they are throwing in for fun.
“Charlie has not brought a horse since 2019 and we had COVID through that period as well, so that is part of the reason why he didn't bring horses, but it's fair to say he had some trouble adapting, if you like, to the requirements.
“This is our fourth year and he's well versed in them (protocols). I have had lots of discussions with him, as has (RV chief vet) Grace Forbes.”
