New Godolphin trainer Charlie Appleby has struck at the Breeders’ Cup meeting with Outstrip, a narrow winner of the Juvenile Turf over Giovanni Boldini.
Outstrip continued the success of Mike Smith, the jockey who has won more Breeders’ Cup races than any other.
Bobby’s Kitten set a blistering early pace and swung into the straight still with an advantage but with Ryan Moore and Giovanni Boldini in hot pursuit.
Giovanni Boldini got the better of Bobby’s Kitten, but Mike Smith was winding Outstrip up and the colt wore the leading pair down.
“It’s a great day for Sheikh Mohammed and Godolphin. That is our fifth Breeders’ Cup winner,” Godolphin racing manager Simon Crisford said.
“This horse was bred by Sheikh Mohammed and is by one of the most fashionable sires around (Exceed And Excel). The one thing Outstrip has is a turn of foot and he loved that fast ground.
“Well done to Charlie Appleby, for whom it is a first Group One winner.
“I imagine Outstrip will remain in Newmarket over the winter to be prepared for the 2000 Guineas.
“We are one or two away from what will be numerically our best ever season and Godolphin are the top prize-money owners in Britain.”
Appleby was installed as the licence holder at Moulton Paddocks earlier this year after Mahmood Al Zarooni was banned for eight years for administering banned steroids to horses in his care.
“I’d just like to thank everybody who has helped us, Sheikh Mohammed and Godolphin for supporting me right from the very start,” Appleby said.
“It’s an amazing feeling, thanks to everybody.
“It (the Al Zarooni affair) was a very hard time for everyone concerned Sheikh Mohammed and Simon Crisford spoke to me, gave me the opportunity and said to run with it. Thankfully we have managed to produce the goods and I am just delighted for them.”
