Why it could be a Classic double for red-hot Godolphin and Charlie Appleby

Sires have become inextricably linked with trainers in recent years. Aidan O'Brien dominated the scene when Galileo's progeny were in their pomp but now it is Dubawi's turn and Charlie Appleby is making hay while the sun shines with the supersire's offspring all over the globe.

Dubawi had stakes winners in seven different countries last year and capped the season by siring three in the Breeders' Cup at Del Mar – the most by a sire at the meeting in the same year.

Appleby set down a marker for the season to come by dominating the Guineas trials and, if ever there were a year when a sea change can take place at the top of Flat racing's tree, it's this one. Appleby, Dubawi and Godolphin should be too good for Ballydoyle's battalions.