Sprinter has proven a real money-spinner for the Rutland-based trainer.
Anna, Mick Appleby’s star sprinter, is considering several exciting options after a strong third-place finish in the Dubai International Airport World Trophy at Newbury on Saturday. Among the potential targets for the five-year-old are a return to Qipco British Champions Day and a second tilt at Saudi Arabia following his lucrative success earlier in the year.
Anna had a remarkable end to last season, winning both the Portland at Doncaster and the Bengough Stakes at Ascot. After a brief tune-up at Lingfield, he hit the big time with a spectacular victory in the Saudi National Bank 1351 Turf Sprint in Riyadh, earning close to £1 million. However, after over six months off the track, his return to the Sprint Cup at Haydock was less successful, as he encountered significant trouble during the race.
Despite that, his recent performance at Newbury showed positive signs. Appleby was pleased with Annaf’s third-place finish, noting that the horse-faced tough conditions, including a challenging draw and heavy ground. "He ran very well, we were very pleased with him," Appleby said. "He was probably drawn on the wrong side, and the ground was a bit against him, but he ran well."
Looking ahead, Annaf is entered for the Bengough Stakes at Ascot, but a bigger challenge may lie ahead on Qipco British Champions Day. Additionally, Appleby confirmed that another trip to Saudi Arabia is on the cards, where Annaf will look to replicate his Riyadh success in 2025. "We'll decide whether we are going to go to Ascot again, and then there's Champions Day and probably another tilt in Saudi," Appleby added.
Meanwhile, Appleby also provided an update on his two Breeders’ Cup hopefuls, Big Evs and Big Mojo. Big Evs, last year’s Juvenile Turf Sprint champion, is set to return to defend his title in the Turf Sprint. Big Mojo will join him this year as a candidate in the Juvenile Turf Sprint. Appleby confirmed both horses are in excellent condition, saying, "They're both in good order and going straight to the Breeders' Cup."
With Annaf back on form and Appleby’s Breeders’ Cup contenders preparing for another crack at glory, the coming months promise to be exciting for the Rutland-based trainer.
