Charlie Appleby expects strong return from Pinatubo

The three-year-old colt has been the long-time ante-post favourite for the 2000 Guineas after remaining unbeaten last season.

His six successes included a breathtaking win by an eyewatering nine lengths in the Group One National Stakes at the Curragh in Ireland before a battling triumph in Newmarket’s Dewhurst Stakes at the end of a long campaign.

Owned by Sheikh Mohammed, Pinatubo is due to reappear in the Guineas at Newmarket on June 6 – subject to racing being given Government clearance to resume.

And Appleby is clearly looking forward to the test after watching Pinatubo being put through his paces on the gallops by regular rider William Buick.

He said: “At this time of the year, the question everybody is asking re the Guineas favourite is ‘has he trained on?’

“We are not going to have conclusive proof until the 2,000 Guineas on June 6, but my gut feeling is that Pinatubo has trained on. No buttons will be pressed until the big day but from what we are seeing at home, he has gone the right way.

“Mentally, I see no change in him. His demeanour is the same from two to three. He remains totally relaxed. Physically, though, I do see change. He has grown and strengthened over winter.

“You can also tell he is an experienced racehorse now. He goes about his business professionally, and nothing fazes him.”

Pinatubo was sired by Middleham trainer Mark Johnston’s champion juvenile Shamardal who died last month.

Rated higher as a two-year-old than Sir Henry Cecil’s horse for the ages Frankel, Pinatubo’s latest workout was the first time that the aforementioned Buick had sat on the colt since last year’s Dewhurst victory.

“William said he gave him the same feel as when he rode him at two,” enthused the likable Appleby who teamed up with Buick to win the 2018 Derby with Masar. “We were pleased with his work. It was nice and simple and he went about it in his usual professional straightforward manner. We were delighted the way he finished off the gallop, over six furlongs.

“It was not a test. It was a piece of work to bring him on, and we now look forward to the final stages of his preparation for the Guineas.

“Pinatubo had gone under the radar in all his homework before he first ran. He always did himself well.

“He’d get his work done, but he did nothing to suggest he would end the season as the highest-rated two-year-old in Europe.

“He never won a gallop. But he never finished last. He only always did enough. He worked adequately. He would never disappoint but he would never excite, either. There are plenty, who win gallops in the morning and never turn up in the afternoon. He is the opposite.”

As for the 2000 Guineas, Appleby believes the step up in trip to one mile will pay off.

“I think the mile is going to be his trip. I believe that because of his mental attitude. He is a relaxed character,” ventured the trainer.

“As for his physical attributes, he won six races as a juvenile, and three of them were on three of Britain’s most challenging courses — Epsom, Goodwood and Newmarket. His athleticism is a key asset.

“Provided there are no hiccups, I think he will give a very good account of himself.”

Appleby was also fulsome in praise for his team – and how they have adapted to the uncertainties posed by coronavirus.

“Of course, it has been a very unusual start to the year,” he added. “During the crisis, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed has given huge support, not just to Godolphin, but to communities in Dubai and Britain, and we are indebted to him for that backing.

“Everybody at Godolphin has continued to work incredibly hard over the past months.

“Despite the inevitable anxiety many have felt because of the pandemic, morale is good, and I would like to thank all at Moulton Paddocks for their dedication, which has helped all remain positive.”

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