Breeders' Cup an option for Newmarket star Modern Games

Trainer Charlie Appleby will have the Breeders' Cup as an option for Modern Games after an impressive victory in the Tattersalls Stakes at Newmarket on Thursday.

After a strong start out of the blocks for the Dubawi colt, rivals struggled to keep the pace as jockey William Buick saved plenty to guide his mount to a two-and-a-half-lengths victory.

Modern Games has now backed up a win at Doncaster and looks to be in great form ahead of more significant challenges to come.

Next year's 2000 Guineas appears to be an option for connections, while the Breeders' Cup has also been mooted as a possible target in the future.

Moulton Paddocks handler Appleby was delighted with his charge's performance and was full of praise for all his staff for getting him ready for the Tattersalls Stakes.

Appleby said: "Full credit to everyone at home. He's not a big, imposing horse by any stretch — but Lorna, who rides him at home, said this morning it would take a good one to beat him.

"He did a bit of work on Saturday, and while he didn't surprise us, he worked particularly well.

"That was always the plan today — to go out there and make it and get them to come at us. It was a great ride by William, and it paid off."

With Native Trail also at his disposal, Appleby has built up a strong crop of juveniles that will be looking at major prizes going forward.

Appleby is eager to keep Modern Games and Native Trail apart but is also thinking of the option of the Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket next month.

On Modern Games, Appleby added: "He's a neat, little horse, and maybe we'll have a look at the Breeders' Cup.

"He's got plenty of experience under his belt now. I wouldn't quite think of him as a Dewhurst horse as if you were to put him and Native Trail together at home; it wouldn't be much of a competition.

"It would be a shame to run the two of them in the Dewhurst. If Native Trail wasn't around, then as we all know, this race today is a springboard to a Dewhurst."

Appleby has also spoken of possible options for his runner Albahr, who caught the eye with his display with a Grade One victory last weekend at Woodbine.

Albahr, along with Modern Games, could also be looking at a possible trip to Del Mar in the future.

Appleby said: "We've got Albahr for the Breeders' Cup as well. He has a slightly different profile, but they're two hard-knocking sons of Dubawi who can go to the Breeders' Cup and might just run all right over there."