English/Ire
Appleby relying on Aomori City in Abu Dhabi
Charlie Appleby will rely on Aomori City in a bid to land the inaugural Abu Dhabi Gold Cup on Saturday.
Unsurprisingly, the $1million Listed prize has attracted a stellar line-up of international and local contenders from all-across the globe, with Appleby happy to rely on his talented Vintage Stakes scorer.
Fourth in the Vincent O'Brien National Stakes and third in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf as a two-year-old, Aomori City failed to land a blow in the Poule d'Essai des Poulains the following season.
However, back from a break after undergoing a gelding operation, the son of Oasis Dream showed he still possessed bundles of ability, running on strongly to finish runner-up on his UAE debut behind the reopposing Quddwah in the Zabeel Mile last month.
With that run under his belt and with the track expected to suit, Appleby is looking forward to seeing what his talented four-year-old can do despite his wide starting berth in stall thirteen.
Charlie Appleby said: "Aomori City came out of the Zabeel Mile well and has stepped forward for the run.
"He is a neat, sharp horse, so I think he should handle the track at Abu Dhabi, although he has to contend with a wide draw."
On the same card, stablemate Royal Power will make his first start for a year in the Listed Abu Dhabi Championship on the same card.
Royal Power, who will break from gate one under William Buick, was last seen beating subsequent Group 1 winner El Cordobes at Meydan.
Charlie Appleby added: "Royal Power is coming into this off a break but this twelve-furlong trip suits and he seems to like quick ground.
"His preparation has gone well, which should hopefully put him in good stead."
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