Charlie Appleby has set a Breeders’ Cup goal for Measured Time after the horse led a one-two finish for Moulton Paddocks in the Manhattan Stakes at Saratoga. This $1 million Grade One race was a highlight on Belmont Stakes Day in the United States and marked Measured Time’s first race since finishing fourth in the Dubai Turf at Meydan earlier in the year.
Appleby had faced disappointment with his previous runners at the Belmont Stakes Festival but finally found success with Measured Time, ridden by William Buick. The horse, a son of Frankel, is now being aimed towards the Breeders’ Cup at Del Mar later in the season.
Appleby praised Measured Time’s performance, noting that the American tracks seem to suit him well. He also mentioned that the horse prefers to make his run rather than being controlled too much during races.
In addition to Measured Time, Appleby’s other runner Nations Pride, who was ridden by Frankie Dettori and finished second in the Manhattan Stakes, is also being considered for future races in America. Nations Pride had won the Saratoga Derby in 2022 and Appleby believes he could perform well in races in Kentucky during the summer.