Half-sister to Big Evs set for Monday debut as Mick Appleby readies his sprint star for international swansong

A half-sister to Breeders' Cup star Big Evs is on course to make her belated debut at Wolverhampton on Monday evening, with Queen Of The Roses starting out over 7f in the fillies' novice (6.00).

Like her illustrious Blue Point sibling, Queen Of The Roses is trained by Mick Appleby and out of Hana Lina, but being by top-class miler Ribchester, the two-year-old is going to want a greater test of stamina.

"She's not a Big Evs as she wouldn't be as quick as him, but she's got ability," said Appleby. "She'll want further than him, seven furlong to a mile, and she's a nice enough filly who will be winning races."

Queen Of The Roses, owned and bred by Jaber Abdullah, is around a 20-1 shot in a market headed by Blue Secret, who was fourth on her debut at Newbury last time, and Beverley winner Bassadanza.

She was declared to make her debut at Yarmouth last month but was taken out because of the good to firm ground.

"The ground was too quick last time and now it's gone too soft, so that's why we're starting her here," said Appleby.

Mick Appleby: set for a two-pronged attack on next month's Breeders' Cup meetingCredit: Edward Whitaker

The trainer is preparing Big Evs, who finished down the field in the Nunthorpe last time, for a return to the Breeders' Cup next month for his final start in the Turf Sprint before going off to stud.

He will be joined at Del Mar by Molecomb winner Big Mojo, who is no relation, as connections bid for back-to-back victories in the Juvenile Turf Sprint.   

"They're doing a gallop at Southwell on Thursday," said Appleby. "Big Evs is as good as ever. The track, ground and draw did for him at York, but he's come out of it really well.

"Big Mojo will probably have his last run of the year in the race Big Evs won last year and then come back as a three-year-old." 

Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint (Del Mar, Friday, November 1)
Sky Bet: 4 Big Mojo, 5 Aesterius, 7 Babouche, 8 Whistlejacket, 10 Gabaldon, 12 Under Who's Radar, 14 Symbol Of Strength, Dreamaway, Leovanni, 16 bar

Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint (Del Mar, Saturday, November 2)
Paddy Power: 2 Cogburn, 3 Bradsell, 7 Believing, 10 Big Evs, Motorious, 12 Inisherin, 14 Star Of Mystery, Arzak, 16 Starlust, Elite Status, 20 bar  

Read these next:

ITV announces two-hour Breeders' Cup broadcast for City Of Troy's Classic bid 

City Of Troy's biggest danger? Kentucky Derby third prepares for Breeders' Cup Classic with winning return in Japan 

'I will remember that forever' - Breeders' Cup on the radar after Ramatuelle denies Kinross in the Prix de la Foret 

The Racing Post is now available to follow on WhatsApp channels!

Follow Racing Post Insider on WhatsApp and you can now start receiving messages and alerts for the latest news, tips, insights, live reactions and much more. Click the group link and get Racing Post notifications straight to your phone via WhatsApp.