Appleby runner-up with first Aust starter

Jameka proved too good on the day, but English trainer Charlie Appleby was proud of his first Australian runner Scottish.

The Godolphin-owned Scottish beat all bar the favourite in Saturday’s $3 million race after working around the field to take up the running in the 2400m handicap.

Appleby has five horses in Australia for the spring carnival and he said he was satisfied with the Caulfield Cup result.

“To come over here and be in the first three, that’s what we were aiming for,” Appleby said.

Obviously to try to win it is the most (important) thing, but unfortunately it’s unusual for him but he just missed the kick there,” Appleby said.

Appleby said Scottish stuck at it well and ran the distance out.

“We mapped this horse out for this race and wanted to be competitive and that’s what he’s gone and done,” he said.

Scottish holds a Melbourne Cup entry and while the 3200m race remains an option, Appleby suggested it was unlikely.

He said the Group One Emirates Stakes or the Lexus Stakes were options.

Appleby said Qewy and Oceanographer would hopefully run in Wednesday’s Geelong Cup where a win would give them a chance to get into the Melbourne Cup.

A Moonee Valley Cup start is on the radar for Second Wave and Francis Of Assisi is likely to go to the Bendigo Cup.