Mick Appleby looks up with impressive sprint scorer Juan Les Pins

Mick Appleby’s expertise with sprinters was demonstrated when Juan Les Pins completed a hat-trick with a clear-cut win in the 6f handicap.

The five-year-old cut through the field with ease and stretched clear in the final furlong under Frederick Larson.

The biggest advertisement of Appleby’s skills this season has been Raasel's graduation from handicaps to Group 3 success. And the trainer is convinced Juan Les Pins has plenty more to offer and could feature in much more valuable races later in the season.

“We claimed him after he won at Redcar last month. He’s a very nice horse and he’ll keep on improving,” said Appleby.

“He’s won impressively today and I wouldn't be surprised to see him push on to have a rating somewhere in the 90s.

“There’s no rush with him and we'll see what the handicapper does before deciding where to go next. He’s done well at six furlongs but he would probably get away with five furlongs as well, so that would give us more options.”

Gosdens at the double

Appleby had high hopes of completing a double with Larado in the 1m½f handicap but the 15-8 favourite folded tamely, leaving the way clear for the John and Thady Gosden-trained Operating to claim a comfortable success under Martin Harley.

There was a better outcome for favourite backers in the 1m½f novice when Harley and the Gosdens struck with Thundershower, who just held on from the fast-finishing Nigwa.

Results, replays and analysis

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