Godolphin trainer Charlie Appleby eyes black-type Sandown double

He might have a Melbourne Cup in his trophy cabinet, but Godolphin trainer Charlie Appleby has become the king of prepping winners for smaller black-type races. He’ll go again at Sandown on the weekend.

Chris Connett has spent enough time around Charlie Appleby to grasp just how adept the Godolphin trainer is at precision targeting.

Appleby’s formidable credits include Melbourne Cup and Epsom Derby victories, achievements previously unattained by the Blue Army, despite its enviable resources.

As accomplished as Appleby is on the highest tier, his faculty to pluck lower-hanging fruit is remarkable.

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Trainer Charlie Appleby won the 2018 Melbourne Cup with British horse Cross Counter. Picture: AFP

In 2016, Appleby brought an eclectic mix of former jumpers and mid-tier stayers to Australia and won the Geelong Cup with Qewy, Lexus Stakes with Oceanographer and the Bendigo Cup and Queen Elizabeth Stakes with Francis Of Assisi.

He continued the trend since, rising to Group 1 level with Cross Counter and Jungle Cat.

At Sandown on Saturday, Appleby will unleash Setting Sail and D’Bai in black-type contests.

Connett, as usual, expects the pair to go close to fulfilling his boss’s ambitions.

Setting Sail will contest the Group 3 Eclipse Stakes (1800m) as TAB $2.15 favourite.

D’Bai sits at the head of the Group 3 Kevin Heffernan Stakes (1300m) at $2.80.

James Doyle rides both gallopers.

Setting Sail, a last start Epsom winner, is described by Connett as a “solid horse right on the borderline of being a Listed or Group horse.”

Setting Sail gallops during a track work session at Werribee. Picture: AAP

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“Charlie and the team back home have pinpointed this race and his strike rate down here is very good, so we go to the races with some confidence,” Connett said.

“Setting Sail’s has been working nicely and he’s going well.”

D’Bai hasn’t raced since pulling up lame after a torrid introduction to Australian racing when eighth in the All-Aged Stakes behind Pierata in April.

“He came out of that race a little scratchy, but he’s fine now,” Connett said.

“We’re very happy with the way he’s been training and hopefully he can run a big race, too.”

Connett will leave Melbourne for Dubai on Wednesday with the Godolphin team.

Cross Counter, a luckless eighth in his Melbourne Cup defence, is likely to remain in the UAE for the Dubai Gold Cup.

Originally published as Godolphin trainer Charlie Appleby eyes black-type Sandown double