Charlie Appleby is no stranger to success on the biggest of stages across the globe however 2000 Guineas favourite Pinatubo could be his latest gem in a stable dripping in diamonds.
Pinatubo remains unbeaten in six starts as a juvenile, including Group One wins in the National Stakes at the Curragh and Dewhurst at Newmarket and now favorite for the 2000 Guineas, a step up in class that Appleby is sure the colt will handle with aplomb.
Pinatubo will race in the June 6 heat assuming that racing will resume as planned on June 1.
Speaking to the Godolphin website, Appleby was bullish about his star colts prospects.
“I think the mile is going to be his trip. I believe that because of his mental attitude. He is a relaxed character, and if he was later asked to step up in trip, I think he has the right mindset for it.
“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.
“He has pleased me in his work in preparation for the Guineas, and provided there are no hiccups, I think he will give a very good account of himself.”
Pinabuto’s class ranking currently sits at 128, a tidy number at the conclusion of his juvenile campaign, rubber stamping him as the best two-year-old since Celtic Swing (1994) and Arazi (1991) both whom exited their campaigns with an official ranking of 130.
Given his form, Pinatubo leads all comers as he faces the step up to three-year-old racing this season.
“We are not going to have conclusive proof until the 2000 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 the winter.
“You can also tell he is an experienced racehorse now. He goes about his business professionally, and nothing fazes him.”
The British Horseracing Authority is set to announce on Friday its fixture of meetings until the end of June, subject to approval from the British government to commence racing on June 1. It released a provisional fixture last week which is to be finalised.
