Big Mojo aims to follow in the footsteps of his distinguished stablemate Big Evs by capturing the Carlsberg Danish Pilsner Flying Childers Stakes at Doncaster on Friday.
Last year, Big Evs used this five-furlong Group Two race as a springboard to Breeders’ Cup success for trainer Mick Appleby and owners Paul and Rachael Teasdale. Now, the same connections have high hopes for Big Mojo, another swift juvenile with American ambitions.
Like Big Evs, the Mohaather colt secured his first Group race win in the Molecomb Stakes at Goodwood. However, he finished two lengths behind in fourth place when stepping up to six furlongs for the Gimcrack at York.
Big Mojo is set to return to the minimum trip at Doncaster, and Appleby is optimistic about his prospects for a potential trip to California in early November.
"He’s in good form and should have a strong chance," said the Rutland-based trainer. "I don’t think the ground was ideal for him at York, and he probably didn’t quite stay the trip. He also hit the front a bit too early and was looking around. He’s in good order, and it would be great to win this race again. If he reproduces his Goodwood performance, he’ll be very hard to beat. If all goes well, we’re considering the Breeders’ Cup as the next step."
Appleby also updated on Big Evs, who is on track to end his career with a bid for a second Breeders’ Cup victory in the Turf Sprint.
"He’s in great form and heading straight to the Breeders’ Cup, which will be his final race," Appleby added.
Big Mojo will face strong competition at Doncaster, including the Ger Lyons-trained Irish raider Magnum Force, who was narrowly defeated by the reopposing Tropical Storm from Andrew Balding’s stable in the Roses Stakes at York.
Coto De Caza, aiming for a hat-trick for Simon and Ed Crisford after wins at Beverley and Goodwood in July, and Aesterius, who finished second to Big Mojo at Goodwood before winning a Group Three in France, are also key contenders.
Richard Brown, racing adviser to Aesterius’s owners, commented: "He’s been outstanding for us, with wins in the Dragon Stakes and a Group Three. The Molecomb didn’t go as planned, but he was impressive in the Prix d’Arenberg. It’s a quick turnaround, but options for two-year-olds over five furlongs are limited. With a Listed and Group Three win under his belt, this is the logical next step. Archie says he’s fresh and well after France, so we’re giving him a chance. We’ll see how he performs, and the Breeders’ Cup is still on the horizon. He’s still improving, and we’d love more like him."