Sprinter has proven a real money-spinner for the Rutland-based trainer.
Mick Appleby’s star sprinter Annaf is on the verge of an exciting autumn campaign after his return to form at Newbury last Saturday. Following a tumultuous summer, the five-year-old gelding's third-place finish in the Group 3 Dubai International Airport World Trophy has breathed new life into his season, reigniting hopes for a high-stakes appearance at Qipco British Champions Day, as well as another lucrative tilt in Saudi Arabia.
Annaf, known for his electric finish last season, where he bagged the Portland Handicap at Doncaster and the Group 3 Bengough Stakes at Ascot, began 2023 with a bang. His victory in the Saudi National Bank 1351 Turf Sprint in Riyadh earned connections nearly £1 million in prize money. However, after a six-month break, his return at Haydock in the Sprint Cup was far from ideal, hindered by a troubled run that left him unable to showcase his true ability.
Despite that setback, his recent performance at Newbury has reassured his connections. Running over five furlongs, Annaf fought bravely to secure third place, a result that has renewed confidence in his ability to deliver on the biggest stages.
Speaking on his return to form, Appleby said, "He ran very well, and we were very pleased with him. He was probably drawn on the wrong side, and the heavy ground wasn’t ideal, but he ran a strong race." This performance, combined with his raw speed and determination, has set Annaf up for potential appearances in some of the biggest sprint races left in the season.
One option on the horizon is the Group 3 Bengough Stakes at Ascot, a race Annaf won last year. A return to that venue would serve as a final stepping stone toward Qipco British Champions Day, where the competition stiffens, but the rewards are immense. Champions Day, one of the most prestigious days in the British racing calendar, could see Annaf once again test himself against the very best in the Sprint division.
“We’ll decide whether we are going to go there (Ascot), and then there’s Champions Day,” Appleby revealed. The possibility of Champions Day would pit Annaf against top-class competition, and a strong run there could cap off an extraordinary season. Yet, the long-term view for Annaf doesn't stop on British soil.
The lucrative Saudi Arabian race scene has already brought success for Annaf this year, and a return to Riyadh is now firmly on the cards for 2024. "We’ll probably have another tilt in Saudi with him, I would think," Appleby hinted, pointing to another shot at the Saudi National Bank 1351 Turf Sprint, where he could aim to defend his title.
Appleby’s optimism for Annaf’s future comes after a period of uncertainty. His disappointing run at Haydock was marred by poor racing luck, with Annaf suffering a troubled passage through the field. Appleby reflected on this frustration: “He got murdered at Haydock, so it was nice to see him run a good race on Saturday.”
But while Annaf’s season looks promising, Appleby has plenty to look forward to beyond his star sprinter. The Rutland-based trainer is also preparing for a transatlantic raid on the Breeders' Cup, with two horses, Big Evs and Big Mojo, set to fly the flag for the stable in the United States.
Big Evs, a top juvenile, is poised to defend his title in the Turf Sprint after a triumphant campaign last year in the Juvenile Turf Sprint. Meanwhile, Big Mojo, Appleby’s rising star, is targeting this year’s Juvenile Turf Sprint. Both horses have been in fine form, and the trainer is confident in their ability to shine on the world stage once again.
“They’re both good, and they’re both going straight there now,” Appleby confirmed. “They’re both in good order.”
As the season reaches its climax, Appleby has plenty to juggle, with Annaf aiming to complete a remarkable resurgence in the UK and Saudi Arabia, while his Breeders' Cup hopefuls prepare for their American adventure. With Champions Day and a return to Riyadh in Annaf’s sights, this star sprinter is far from finished—his story is just entering its next thrilling chapter.
In a season filled with ups and downs, Annaf’s journey underscores the fine margins in horse racing. From nearly a million pounds in Saudi riches to the frustrations of an unlucky run at Haydock, it’s a reminder that even the best horses can face moments of uncertainty. However, it’s the resilience and bounce-back ability of a horse like Annaf that makes the sport so enthralling. Whether it’s a return to Ascot or another tilt in Saudi Arabia, Annaf’s continued quest for glory offers an exciting spectacle for racing fans everywhere. There’s a thrill in following a horse that refuses to give up, and Annaf’s road to redemption looks set to offer even more fireworks as 2023 comes to a close.
