Cross Counter capped an “amazing” year for trainer Charlie Appleby and Godolphin as he became the first British-trained winner of Lexus Melbourne Cup at Flemington.
The three-year-old’s victory added another feather to Appleby’s cap with the trainer having sent out Masar to win the Derby at Epsom back in June in the blue silks of Godolphin.
Here, we take a look back at the Southampton native’s five finest moments of 2018.
MASAR
The long wait for a first Investec Derby winner finally came to an end in June after Masar provided Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum with the victory he has craved at Epsom. The Charlie Appleby-trained son of New Approach showed he had the potential to strike at the top table, crossing the line a length and a half clear of Dee Ex Bee.
BLUE POINT
Blue Point gained a breakthrough first G1 success with a scintillating display in the King’s Stand Stakes over five furlongs at Royal Ascot in June. The four-year-old colt showed good early speed from the gates, stayed composed and finally put the foot down in the final half-furlong to prevail by a length and three-quarters on good to firm ground. It was Appleby’s first G1 winner at Ascot.
JUNGLE CAT
Appleby’s year got even better in Australia last month. The 43-year-old saddled his first Group 1 winner Down Under as Jungle Cat won the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes at Caulfield in Melbourne. The high class six-year-old, ridden by James Doyle, beat Dollar For Dollar by a short-head, with Home Of The Brave fourth for new Godolphin trainer James Cummings.
LINE OF DUTY
The two-year-old colt added further lustre to a year to remember for Appleby with victory in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf. Buick’s mount looked beaten at one stage, but picked up bravely to get the better of Uncle Benny. A tense wait ensued, but the placings remained unaltered. Appleby was recording his third career win at the meeting from just five runners.
LA PELOSA
The two-year-old filly was the worthy winner of the G1 Natalma Stakes at Woodbine in Canada last month. La Pelosa, stepping up to a mile for the first time, made progress half-way and was fifth at the turn. She continued to improve her position and challenged for the lead with a furlong left. The sire of Dandy Man soared to the front late on, winning by a length on firm going.
