On a crisp, quiet Thursday morning at Southwell, Mick Appleby’s stable star Big Evs put in a promising workout ahead of his highly anticipated return to the Breeders’ Cup. The 5-year-old sensation is looking to defend his title in the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint at Del Mar after a season that has seen its share of highs and lows.
Big Evs, fresh off a brief rest, was accompanied on the track by younger stablemate Big Mojo, both under the watchful eyes of Appleby and a select few spectators. While the spectacle of a Derby winner like City Of Troy draws crowds in the hundreds, the gallop at Southwell was a much more intimate affair, setting the stage for Big Evs to quietly ready himself for a global stage once more.
Ridden by his usual partner Tom Marquand, Big Evs galloped comfortably ahead of stablemate Blind Beggar. Marquand later commented on Big Evs’ laid-back attitude during the session, noting that the seasoned sprinter had grown "a bit lazy" with success. “He knows he’s good,” said Marquand with a wry smile. “He just does as much as he needs to.”
Appleby, however, was encouraged by what he saw. "He worked really well," the trainer shared. "We’ve freshened him up since his last run, and this workout was exactly what he needed. Tom’s right – he’s a bit laid back these days, but that’s because he’s earned the right to be."
Eyes Set on Del Mar Glory
Big Evs will head to Del Mar as a 10-1 shot for the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint on November 2, hoping to replicate his thrilling victory from last year. The stakes are higher this time, with competition expected to be even fiercer in one of the premier global events of the racing calendar.
Appleby knows the challenge that lies ahead. “I’m not under any illusions,” he admitted. “It’s not going to be easy. But he’s trained on well, he’s just as good—if not better—than he was last year. We’re going there with every chance."
The road to Del Mar has not been without bumps. Big Evs delivered a stellar performance earlier this year, finishing third in the King's Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot and winning the King George Stakes at Goodwood. However, his most recent outing at York’s Nunthorpe Stakes was less inspiring, where he could only manage eighth.
For Appleby, that underwhelming result was more about circumstance than form. “The ground, the draw, everything went against him at York,” he explained. “You can put a line through that race. He’s still got all his speed, and he’s raring to go.”
Stable Stars Bound for America
Big Evs won’t be traveling alone to Del Mar. Younger stablemate Big Mojo, who also had a promising gallop on Thursday, will be making the trip across the Atlantic as well. The two horses represent the latest generation of talent from Appleby’s yard, and both are primed to make an impact at the Breeders’ Cup.
“It’s always special to have runners at the Breeders’ Cup,” Appleby said. “Last year was an incredible experience with Big Evs’ win, and we’re hoping for more of the same. If they run their race and give it everything, we’ll be happy.”
For Marquand, the trip to America represents another chance to showcase the global reach of British racing talent. “It’s all systems go for America now,” he said with quiet confidence. “He’s feeling really well after the freshen-up, and he’s ready for another big performance.”
Big Evs’ Legacy in the Making
While the racing world eagerly anticipates this year’s Breeders' Cup, Big Evs already holds a special place in Appleby’s heart and the history books. His win last year at Santa Anita made Appleby’s first Breeders’ Cup runner an instant success, and a repeat victory at Del Mar would cement Big Evs’ status as one of the greats in modern sprinting.
For Appleby, who has seen his fair share of triumphs and challenges in his career, Big Evs is a horse that embodies the spirit of determination and resilience. “It would be great if he could come out and win,” Appleby mused. “But win or lose, he’s already achieved so much. He’s going there with every chance, and that’s all we can ask for.”
As the countdown to Del Mar continues, the quiet gallops at Southwell will soon give way to the roar of the American crowds. Big Evs, ever the professional, seems ready for whatever lies ahead. And in the world of racing, where anything can happen, all eyes will be on the sprinter who knows exactly how to deliver when it counts the most.
