Hot favourite Ghaiyyath has been confirmed as one of 14 runners for next week’s Juddmonte International at York.
The Charlie Appleby-trained five-year-old has been faultless so far this year, following up a commanding Group Three victory at Meydan in February by returning to Britain and sealing top-level honours in both the Coronation Cup at Newmarket and Sandown‘s Coral-Eclipse.
The latter of those victories was made all the more impressive as Ghaiyyath edged the Flat superstar Enable into second, and Appleby is convinced his colt can enjoy further success in next week’s Knavesmire showpiece.
“We’re in good shape. This year has been a great year for him, winning the Coronation and the Coral-Eclipse, and it was always our plan to head for the Juddmonte International thereafter,” the trainer told Nick Luck’s Daily Podcast.
“His preparation has gone well to date. He looks great and is giving us all the right signs.”
Appleby certainly thinks highly of Ghaiyyath, as he believes he is the best middle-distance horse he has ever trained, ranking him higher than the likes of his 2018 Derby hero Masar.
“I was very lucky to have Masar win the Derby and have Hawkbill and horses like that,” Appleby added. “Ghaiyyath has always been one of those horses that excites you in the morning – he’s such an extravagant galloper and great mover, and he’s delivered in the afternoons.
“He’s a horse we’ve had to handle with care – but where he stands now and what he’s achieved to date, he’d definitely be the best middle-distance horse I’ve ever handled.”
He’ll be up against six contenders from Aidan O’Brien’s yard, including last year’s winner Japan, while John Gosden is sending Lord North to York for what should be a hotly-contested renewal.
