Mick Appleby’s Big Evs is set for one final run at the Breeders’ Cup, aiming to put the disappointment of the Nunthorpe Stakes behind him.
The Blue Point colt had his second attempt at the Group One Knavesmire race after a lacklustre performance against older horses as a juvenile last season. This marked the only setback in an otherwise stellar two-year-old campaign, which included wins in the Windsor Castle and Molecomb Stakes, followed by the Flying Childers and Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint victories.
This season, Big Evs began with a victory in the Listed Westow Stakes at York. He continued his strong form at Royal Ascot, finishing third in the King Charles III Stakes before reversing form with Asfoora to win the King George at Goodwood.
Aiming for another Nunthorpe win, Big Evs faced a tough draw from stall 14 and ended up eighth of 12. Despite this setback, his connections remain committed to sending him to the Breeders’ Cup.
Appleby commented, "We’re obviously disappointed with the Nunthorpe result, and we believe the draw played a significant role. The ground was quite tacky, but the draw was the main issue; horses drawn on the far side didn’t stand much chance in the sprints."
He added, "We’ll freshen him up and head straight to the Breeders’ Cup for his final run. We’re choosing not to run him in the Prix de l’Abbaye as it usually doesn’t suit him due to the soft ground."
Big Evs shares ownership with Big Mojo, who followed in his footsteps by winning the Molecomb at Goodwood in late July. Big Mojo then stepped up to six furlongs at York for the Gimcrack Stakes, finishing fourth, beaten by two lengths.
Appleby plans for Big Mojo to return to a five-furlong trip in the Flying Childers at Doncaster, mirroring the path Big Evs took last year before his Breeders’ Cup appearance.
Appleby remarked, "Big Mojo ran well at York. He might still be a bit green, and when he hit the front, he was looking around. He’ll go for the Flying Childers next, and if he performs well, he could also head to America for the race Big Evs won last year."