Charlie Appleby: Ghaiyyath can back up Coronation Cup performance against Enable
Charlie Appleby believes Ghaiyyath has put his problem of failing to back up his previous glittering performances firmly behind him, as the mightily impressive Coronation Cup winner gears up for an epic clash with Enable in the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown next Sunday.
The Godolphin trainer, who saddled a four-timer at Newmarket on Saturday, is happy with the post-race condition of his five-year-old since his two-and-a-half-length victory over Anthony Van Dyck and Stradivarius on the Rowley Mile on June 5.
Watch Ghaiyyath's exhilarating performance from the front in the Coronation Cup
Last season Ghaiyyath failed to shine on his next start after hugely impressive wins. He won the Group 2 Prix d'Harcourt on the bridle last April but then finished only third in the Prix Ganay, while he could only manage tenth place in the Arc following his blistering 14-length win in the Grosser Preis von Baden the previous month.
Bookmakers make him a 5-2 chance to defeat Enable in Sunday's Group 1 showpiece at Sandown. The likes of Japan and Deirdre could also feature in the 1m2f Group 1.
Appleby said: "Ghaiyyath did his final bit of work on Saturday under his regular rider Shane Fetherstonhaugh and I could not be happier with him.
"Previously, he hasn't backed up after his races very well, but I think he's put all that behind him now and we've seen things in his post race demeanour over the past couple of weeks that we haven't seen before. It's all systems go for Sandown."
Ghaiyyath will bid to become only the third Godolphin winner of the Eclipse this century following Refuse To Bend, who won the race in 2004, and Hawkbill, who struck for Appleby 12 years later.
Coral-Eclipse
Sponsors bet: 10-11 Enable, 5-2 Ghaiyyath, 8 Japan, Magical, 10 King Of Change, 14 Barney Roy, Deirdre, 16 Headman, Sangarius, 20 bar
Read more:
Enable has top secret racecourse gallop as Coral-Eclipse date looms
Deirdre warms up for Enable clash as unexposed three-year-olds scorch the turf
Newbury to set up 'pub in the paddock' and show live action on Derby day
Download the free Racing Post app for cards, form, tips, in-app betting and to watch live races. Download for free at racingpost.com/mobile
Published on 28 June 2020inNews
Last updated 19:57, 28 June 2020
- Merci Olivier! No final winner for Olivier Peslier but the world of racing unites in saluting the end of a great career
- The latest edition of the Racing Post is available to read online now - here's how you can access it
- How Smart View recorded a 76 per cent profit at the Cheltenham Festival
- Smart View is available on the Racing Post app - how to read the revolutionary new racecard
- Levy reform talks 'accelerating' as clock ticks down to April deadline for agreement
- Merci Olivier! No final winner for Olivier Peslier but the world of racing unites in saluting the end of a great career
- The latest edition of the Racing Post is available to read online now - here's how you can access it
- How Smart View recorded a 76 per cent profit at the Cheltenham Festival
- Smart View is available on the Racing Post app - how to read the revolutionary new racecard
- Levy reform talks 'accelerating' as clock ticks down to April deadline for agreement