Big Evs struck at Doncaster for the same connections 12 months ago.
Big Mojo Targets Flying Childers Stakes Glory in Doncaster Showdown
Big Mojo, the rising star of Rutland-based trainer Mick Appleby’s stable, is set to take on the Carlsberg Danish Pilsner Flying Childers Stakes at Doncaster on Friday. With the pressure mounting and stakes high, the young colt will look to emulate his illustrious stablemate Big Evs by making a bold bid for victory in this prestigious Group Two race.
Mick Appleby, known for producing winners on big stages, expressed his confidence in Big Mojo’s chances, saying, "He's in good form and should have every chance, hopefully. I don't think the ground was perfect for him at York, and he probably didn't quite get home. He hit the front a bit too soon, looking around more than anything."
With the trainer’s keen insights and Big Mojo’s raw talent, expectations are high. Appleby added, "He's in good order and it would be nice to win it again. If he reproduces his Goodwood form, he will take all the beating." The race at Doncaster is crucial for the young colt’s trajectory, and Appleby has already mapped out a future plan, hinting at a possible Breeders' Cup appearance. "If all goes well, we'd be thinking of the Breeders' Cup for him – that's the plan," the trainer revealed.
Appleby strikes AGAIN 👊👊@MickApplebyUK won the Molecamb Stakes with Big Evs 12 months ago and he's gone and repeated the trick with 25-1 chance Big Mojo! 🔴🔵@Qatar_Racing | @Goodwood_Races pic.twitter.com/pdiARNTdhD
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) July 31, 2024
The Flying Childers Stakes holds a special place in Appleby’s heart after Big Evs' remarkable success last year. Big Mojo is now tasked with following in those enormous hoofprints. A win in Doncaster could seal his ticket to California in November for the Breeders' Cup, a prestigious race that could cement Big Mojo’s legacy.
However, Big Mojo faces formidable competition on Friday. The Ger Lyons-trained Irish raider, Magnum Force, is one of the major threats. Magnum Force narrowly missed out on victory in the Roses Stakes at York, finishing just behind Tropical Storm from Andrew Balding’s stable, who will also be lining up in the Flying Childers.
Simon and Ed Crisford’s Coto De Caza is also a significant contender, riding high on the back of a hat-trick bid after impressive wins at Beverley and Goodwood. Meanwhile, Aesterius from the Archie Watson yard enters as a major player. Aesterius has already proven his quality with a solid track record and will be looking to disrupt Big Mojo’s bid for Flying Childers glory.
It’s a tale of exciting young talent, with the five-furlong Group Two serving as a crucial stepping stone for some of these colts aiming for Breeders’ Cup stardom. Last year, Big Evs used this very race as a launchpad to Breeders’ Cup glory, and Appleby is hopeful that Big Mojo can follow suit.Appleby was full of praise for Big Evs as well, confirming the colt’s ongoing preparations for his final career appearance at the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint later this year.
Appleby was full of praise for Big Evs as well, confirming the colt’s ongoing preparations for his final career appearance at the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint later this year. "He's really good, in great form. He goes straight to the Breeders' Cup now and that will be his last run," said the trainer, clearly emotional about the horse’s last chapter in racing.
Dropping back to the minimum five-furlong trip on Town Moor should suit Big Mojo, and Appleby is optimistic about the colt’s chances. "If he produces the Goodwood run, he will take all the beating," the trainer reiterated.
Also keeping an eye on the Breeders' Cup is Wathnan Racing’s speedy juvenile, Tropical Storm. Tropical Storm was runner-up to Big Mojo at Goodwood but bounced back by claiming a Group Three in France. The owners' racing adviser, Richard Brown, expressed their high hopes for Tropical Storm. "He's been a star for us, winning the Dragon Stakes, and although things didn't go to plan in the Molecomb, he was impressive in the Prix d'Arenberg," Brown said.
With both Big Mojo and Tropical Storm heading into Friday’s race with Breeders’ Cup aspirations in mind, the Flying Childers Stakes is shaping up to be a thrilling contest of speed and stamina. Both trainers have their sights firmly set on California, but first, they must navigate the challenges at Doncaster.
As Brown noted, "The options for two-year-olds over five furlongs are pretty limited. He's won a Listed race and a Group Three, so this is the next obvious step. Archie says he's fresh and well coming out of France, so we will let him take his chance."
The stage is set. The pressure is immense. Will Big Mojo rise to the occasion and secure his spot at the Breeders’ Cup? Or will Tropical Storm, Coto De Caza, and Magnum Force prove too strong in this fast-paced battle? Friday’s race will provide the answers.
As for Big Mojo, he will need to dig deep and tap into his speed and endurance to overcome the stiff competition. The colt broke his Group-race duck in the Molecomb Stakes at Goodwood, flashing his talent and speed. However, a step up to six furlongs in the Gimcrack at York saw him fade into fourth place, two lengths behind the winner. Doncaster offers him a chance for redemption.
