Winx could be on Folkswood's radar next after claiming Cranbourne Cup

Report: Australia, Sunday

Cranbourne: Cranbourne Cup (Listed hcap) 1m2f | turf | 3yo+

Folkswood had not been seen since Derby day at Epsom in early June but it was like he had never been away as he decisively claimed the Cranbourne Cup on Sunday.

Another possible rival for Winx in the Cox Plate; another Australian regional feature for Charlie Appleby; another big race in the bag for Kerrin McEvoy, who successfully reached the Everest summit on Saturday with Redzel.

Appleby adds the Cranbourne Cup to the Geelong and Bendigo Cups he won in 2016 with Qewy and Francos Of Assisi, and the Cox Plate could now be on his agenda after Folkswood stretched two and a quarter lengths clear of the staying-on Berisha.

Does McEvoy think Folkswood deserves a crack at Winx after this comfortable Cranbourne success?

"We've got to wait and see how he pulls up and what Charlie wants to do, but he is a really nice horse," replied the winning rider.

"He's got a high cruising speed and he galloped strongly off that pace. I think Charlie and Chris [Connett, travelling foreman] have left a little bit of improvement in him too."

So there could be more to come from Folkswood. That is certainly something to look forward to as there was little wrong with his fourth career win.

Despite a four-and-a-half-month absence, McEvoy managed to get Folkswood nicely settled in midfield from stall 11 as Grey Lion set a brisk tempo up front.

McEvoy made his move before the final swing for home, making sustained headway to track Grey Lion into the straight, and the 17-5 favourite quickened up smartly to master the pacesetter inside the final furlong. Berisha stayed on for second but never laid a glove on Folkswood.

"I wanted to be in the first three but given the way it unfolded there was a little bit more pressure for those front spots so I was able to slot in just behind them and get a nice trail," explained McEvoy.

"When Guardini came around me, it got my horse a little bit keen but when he went forward I was able to pop out and get him more comfortable. He made a nice sustained run from the half-mile point and I knew he was able to cope with that given what Charlie had said and watching this horse’s replays."

Sky Bet reacted to Folkswood's stylish success by cutting him to 20-1 (from 50) for the Cox Plate. Winx remains 1-3 favourite.

Folkswood's victory was a boost for the Appleby team, the trainer having sent four horses to Melbourne for the carnival but things not starting well.

Francis Of Assisi has been ruled out with a fractured pelvis, while Kidmenever finished eighth in Saturday's Herbert Power Stakes and was later diagnosed as having an internal bleed and the thumps.

Full result