GOLDEN EAGLE ON THE CARDS FOR ASCOT WINNER

Appleby looking at Sydney Options

Appleby had three winners on the week long Ascot Card in total with Noble Truth winning on the final day of the festival. After the race the Godolphin conditioner admitted a trip to Sydney could be on the cards with a look at the Golden Eagle a real possibility.

Trainer Appleby admitted the $10m Golden Eagle was on his radar for the son of Kingsman as well as a potential trip for French 2000 Guineas winner Modern Times.

Noble Truth may not be in quite the same class as Modern Games but he’s a progressive three-year-old who has scored successive stakes wins this season.

“We have been looking for a horse that will fit the Golden Eagle which brings me to him,’’ Appleby said. “I think he has the qualities for that race, he might start ticking a few boxes for that.’’

Godolphin made the decision to have Noble Truth gelded after he won a Listed race at Newmarket by six lengths in April and the son of Kingman was having his first start since when taking out the Jersey Stakes.

Noble Truth led most of the way in the 1400m sprint and although briefly challenged by Samburu near the 400m, the Godolphin three-year-old drew clear again, holding off Find and Dubai Poet.

“He has not been an easy horse to ride, he can pull like an express train every morning so we made the cruellest (gelding) cut of all,’’ Appleby said.

“But we feel that was right for the horse and in the last 10 days he has been starting to listen to me.’’

Jockey William Buick noted after riding Noble Truth to victory in the Jersey Stakes that he is much more professional in his manners since being gelded.

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