Trainer Charlie Appleby and jockey William Buick are mounting a formidable dual-hemisphere challenge on America’s 250th birthday celebrations. While the historic Belmont Park continues to undergo its major redevelopment, its flagship turf races have temporarily moved upstate to the iconic Saratoga Race Course.
This weekend’s action is headlined by the Grade 1 Belmont Derby and Belmont Oaks, both of which feature a strong European challenge, including a runner in each race from Newmarket-based trainer Charlie Appleby.
On Saturday, July 4, Appleby will saddle two highly regarded Classic-placed contenders for Godolphin – Pacific Avenue in the $750,000 Belmont Derby and Abashiri in the $600,000 Belmont Oaks.
Adding even more firepower, Appleby has flown in his trusted ally, former champion jockey William Buick, to partner both horses around Saratoga’s famously tight turf circuit.
G1 Belmont Derby: Pacific Avenue on the Right Path
Appleby has captured almost every major prize on the American racing calendar, amassing 31 Group/Grade 1 victories in the United States.
One notable exception, though, is the Belmont Derby, a race that has frustratingly eluded him despite several close calls.
After near-misses with high-class performers, including Nations Pride, who finished second in 2022, and Legend Of Time, third in 2024, Pacific Avenue looks to have a genuine chance of finally landing the prize.
The three-year-old arrives in New York carrying rock-solid European Classic form.
Last time out, he stayed on strongly to finish an excellent third behind Gstaad in the Group 1 Irish 2,000 Guineas at the Curragh (watch below).
The step up to nine furlongs (1 mile 1 furlong) looks exactly what the son of Dubawi has been crying out for.
He will also renew a fascinating rivalry with Simon and Ed Crisford’s Title Role, who beat Pacific Avenue by a length in Meydan’s Jumeirah Guineas back in February before going on to win the German 2,000 Guineas.
Appleby said: “All is going well with Pacific Avenue. His last bit of work was nice and he’s very straightforward. He’s going the right way and is strengthening. He looks physically stronger, and his running style could suit out there.”
He will also take on Turf Star for trainer H. Graham Motion, who has won each of the last two runnings of the Belmont Derby.
The Belmont Derby is scheduled for 5:20pm local time (10:20pm UK) on Saturday, July 4.
The most recent European-trained winner of the Grade 1 contest was Aidan O’Brien’s Bolshoi Ballet in 2021.
G1 Belmont Oaks: Abashiri Ready to Reign for the Boys in Blue
Appleby already knows what it takes to win the Belmont Oaks, having landed the race with Cinderella’s Dream in 2024.
This year he relies on Abashiri, a beautifully bred and lightly raced daughter of the legendary Frankel, who may possess an even higher ceiling than her stablemate.
Abashiri boasts elite bloodlines. She is a full sister to English Rose and is out of Group 1 Prix Saint-Alary winner Sobetsu.
She advertised her quality when producing an excellent third-place finish in the Group 1 Irish 1,000 Guineas in May.
That form received a significant boost at Royal Ascot when the two fillies who finished ahead of her – Precise and True Love – filled the first two places in the Coronation Stakes.
Like Pacific Avenue, Abashiri has raced exclusively over a mile and now steps up to 1 1/8 miles for the first time.
Buick will break from post eight on the inner turf course – the very same stall from which he partnered Cinderella’s Dream to Belmont Oaks success in 2024.
“She’s doing well and her last work went well before shipping. If she shows up with the best of her European and Irish Guineas form, I think she’ll be a big player. Her Irish Guineas form has been franked with the first two home going on to Ascot and running so well. I’m looking forward to it.” Appleby said.
She faces a strong home team, headed by Chad Brown’s Just Aloof and Fitz Right, as the American trainer bids for a record-extending seventh Belmont Oaks victory.
Irish trainer Donnacha O’Brien is also represented by Kensington Lane, who was last seen finishing fifth in the Irish 1,000 Guineas.
The Belmont Oaks is due off at 4:06pm local time (9:06pm UK) on Saturday, July 4.
