Despite appearing to enhance his 2000 Guineas claims on Tuesday afternoon, Talk Of New York is an uncertain runner in the Newmarket Classic.
Charlie Appleby’s charge had been backed down to become second favourite for the 2000 Guineas even before this week. He only strengthened that position when authoritatively winning a conditions stakes over 7f on the Rowley Mile on Tuesday.
That was his second win in three starts after a surprise odds-on reverse at Meydan earlier this year. His third place in that Listed race was of such promise that punters latched onto his ability anyway. That was demonstrated at Newmarket on Tuesday, albeit in quieter climes than Group 1 level.
However, Charlie Appleby, speaking to the Sporting Life on Thursday, suggested that he may bring the son of Wootton Bassett on more steadily.
“I can’t fault the way Talk Of New York has come out of it. I know he is second favourite, and it is sometimes hard to say he might not be a confirmed runner, but he isn’t a confirmed runner as of yet.
“He is a work in progress. He went backwards in Dubai, but thankfully we are back on track. I do want to get him back over a mile, but I don’t want to go diving in too deep and go backwards again. I do think he is a horse that will repay us as the season will go on.”
“Distant Storm and King’s Trail are well on target” – Appleby on 2000 Guineas prospects
Such is the strength in depth of Godolphin’s number one British yard that Talk Of New York’s absence may not be felt either way.
His team for this year is guaranteed to include two prominent figures as long as fitness is assured. Distant Storm, who was third in the Dewhurst Stakes last season, and King’s Trail, a two-time all-weather winner in the Notable Speech mould, are both being aimed at the race, though Hidden Force, third in the Craven Stakeson Thursday, will now be an absentee.
“Off today’s evidence Hidden Force won’t be going towards the Guineas. The two gallopers there from Tuesday have both come out of their gallops well. Distant Storm and King’s Trail are well on target for it and the one that could join the party is Talk Of New York. That decision won’t be made until next week.”
Appleby has sensational recent record in the 2000 Guineas. He sent out the one-two in 2022 with Coroebus and Native Trail, and has also won the last two editions of the race with Notable Speech and Ruling Court.