Appleby hoping Pinatubo's X factor appeal could be great for racing

On a crisp but sun-kissed morning in Los Angeles, Charlie Appleby was in a reflective mood as he contemplated his past and present good fortune at the Breeders' Cup during his short career.

It all kicked off for the then new Godolphin trainer when Outstrip secured him a first Grade 1 success in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf at Santa Anita in 2013 before Wuheida and Line Of Duty followed up.

This time, with many other European contenders abdicating, Appleby's Old Persian could have a major say for Godolphin when he tackles Saturday’s Turf for which he is a general 4-1 shot.

Longer term, the trainer was only too pleased to admit it is thoughts of Pinatubo that will shorten the dark winter months in Newmarket.

More than that, Appleby recognises the potential X factor of a colt who was so impressive in the National Stakes at the Curragh before getting the job done in testing ground in the Dewhurst.

“A few of my big stars – Blue Point, Hawkbill, Wild Illusion – retired this year, and Masar and co, so you’re always looking for the two-year-olds to fill their shoes and Pinatubo is well on his way,” he said.

Sheikh Mohammed with Pinatubo after landing the Dewhurst StakesCredit: Edward Whitaker

“The week before [the Dewhurst] we went to the Arc and, after unfortunately Enable was beaten, I’ve never walked through a paddock when it’s just been so solemn.

"That’s what it means to the racing public, so therefore it’s very nice from my position that Pinatubo, on what he’s achieved so far, will hopefully be one of those horses the public are going to enjoy following. He’ll get the crowd behind him on racedays.

"Every sportsman would like that. A boxer going into the ring doesn’t want booing. I think they know that, as young as he is, he brings his A-game at the right time. It’s great for racing to have another horse people can latch on to. Let’s hope we can enjoy the ride together.”

Appleby, who next week will move on to Australia to oversee Cross Counter’s bid for back-to-back Melbourne Cup wins, suggested the son of Shamardal did not get the credit he deserved after the Dewhurst for what was a more workmanlike performance in the ground.

“I feel he should have gained a little more respect than some people have given him. In those conditions, I thought it was a very good performance. He’s the best two-year-old I’ve ever had, officially, but he’s an interesting character. He’s very laid-back and wouldn’t get you too warmed up in the mornings, but thankfully he knows what to do in the afternoons.”

Old Persian, as short as 7-2 for the Turf, stepped out of quarantine and on to the Santa Anita track for the first time on Tuesday.

Charlie Appleby pictured alongside Old Persian at Santa AnitaCredit: Edward Whitaker

Appleby feels he has a live chance of adding to his impressive record at the Breeders’ Cup, a meeting that has done much to establish the esteem in which he is held following his appointment by Sheikh Mohammed in July 2013.

“When you’ve been fortunate enough to be given the opportunity I was given, I’m not going to beat about the bush, plenty of people were asking should it have gone to somebody else, so the pressure’s there to try and produce the winners and thankfully Outstrip settled things down early in my career,” he said.

"I think Old Persian has a live shot on Saturday. For me he ticks a good few boxes going into it. Quick ground won’t worry him, the tight turns, the travelling, the day-to-day work going into the race – he’s unfazed by it all."

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