Appleby to target some early spring races

Having had seven winners across the past two spring carnivals in Victoria, Godolphin trainer Charlie Appleby is set to start his stable’s assault on this year’s features in Melbourne earlier than usual.

Racing Victoria says Appleby has confirmed plans to send three horses to Melbourne from his English base early next month to compete in feature races from late September.

Group One-winning sprinter Jungle Cat, last year’s Cox Plate placegetter Folkswood, and Group One Jebel Hatta winner Blair House are scheduled to enter quarantine at Newmarket on August 23 and arrive in Melbourne on September 8.

“We’re delighted that Charlie Appleby and Godolphin are once again keen to compete during the spring racing carnival, and pleased to announce that they’ll be arriving early to take on Australia’s best here in Melbourne,” RV general manager – international and racing operations, Paul Bloodworth, said.

“The presence of Jungle Cat, Folkswood and Blair House will add an exciting new dimension to our Group One meetings at Caulfield on the last two weekends of September, prior to Victoria’s marquee races in October and November.”

Jungle Cat’s first Australian start is scheduled as the Group One Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes at Caulfield on September 22 with Folkswood expected to contest the Naturalism Stakes on the same day.

Blair House is in line to run in the Group One Underwood Stakes at Caulfield on September 30.

Appleby is expected to have another shipment of horses arrive in Melbourne in late September.