Brilliant Barzalona gifts Appleby record fifth Cape Verdi prize

Leslie Wilson Jr

Trainer Charlie Appleby continued his dominance of the Group 2 Cape Verdi, a race named after Godolphin’s superstar filly who won the English 1,000 Guineas, winning the 1600 metre contest for the fifth time in six runnings.

The showpiece of the ongoing Dubai World Cup Carnival at Meydan lived up to its top billing when it showcased the brilliance of two outstanding jockeys retained by global powerhouse, Godolphin.

However, the race produced a surprise winner with Silver Lady, the mount of French rider Mickael Barzalona, holding off the favourite and stable companion English Rose, ridden by two-time British champion William Buick in a suspenseful finish. “She has a bit of temperament but I took her down steady and she settled well,” Barzalona commented.

“During the race, the first part was pretty rough but when I found my position, she was able to take a big breath and she picked up well.

“I could feel my filly was not getting tired but William came pretty easily beside me. I think my filly showed a good attitude, I think the Balanchine will be next,” he said.

Appleby added: “We were pleased with Silver Lady and English Rose, who pulled clear of the rest of the field. Both fillies appear as though they will appreciate a step up in distance in time.

“The likelihood is that we will now look at an American campaign for Silver Lady, while English Rose will head to the G2 Balanchine, where she will hopefully be joined by Sapphire Seas.”

Buick rarely leaves Meydan without some silverware and he was duly rewarded in the subsequent race when Mysterious Night ran out a four-length winner of the Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) Presented by DP World Handicap.

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