Leading British trainer Charlie Appleby has expressed that his stable star Pinatubo is raring to go for his three year old campaign and believes that the highest rated two year old in the sport will be suited by the step up to a mile in next month’s 2000 Guineas at Newmarket.
The three year old last season lit up the racing world when landing all six of his contests including the Listed Chesham Stakes at Royal Ascot and after that landing back to back Group Ones in the National Stakes in Ireland and the Dewhurst at Newmarket.
Having never raced over a mile the 2000 Guineas will be his first try at the distance but Appleby believes that he will come on for the extra trip and how he runs in the Classic contest could decide whether or not he heads to the Derby after that.
(Credit At The Races) Appleby said: “I think the mile is going to be his trip. I believe that because of his mental attitude. He is a relaxed character, and if he was later asked to step up in trip, I think he has the right mindset for it.
Easy/cheeky Group 1 winners on the Flat?
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Don't come back with "recency bias" when we suggest Pinatubo from last year in the National Stakes. 🏇💨#CruiseControl #EasyAsYouLike #WowWee pic.twitter.com/nuZYaRMAAj
“As for his physical attributes, he won six races as a juvenile, and three of them were on three of Britain’s most challenging courses — Epsom, Goodwood and Newmarket. His athleticism is a key asset.
“He has pleased me in his work in preparation for the Guineas, and provided there are no hiccups, I think he will give a very good account of himself.”
The son of the late Shamardal was given the highest rating of 128 by any two year old on the flat since 1994, eclipsing Frankel by two pounds which is remarkable.
He said: “We are not going to have conclusive proof until the 2000 Guineas on June 6, but my gut feeling is that Pinatubo has trained on. No buttons will be pressed until the big day but from what we are seeing at home, he has gone the right way.
“Mentally, I see no change in him. His demeanour is the same from two to three. He remains totally relaxed.
“Physically, though, I do see change. He has grown and strengthened over the winter.
“You can also tell he is an experienced racehorse now. He goes about his business professionally, and nothing fazes him.”