Emotionless spot-on for QIPCO 2000 Guineas, says Appleby

Emotionless stretches clear of his rivals in a racecourse gallop at Newmarket. Image copyright of Racingfotos.com.

Emotionless satisfied his connections in a racecourse gallop before racing at Newmarket today and is “spot-on” for the QIPCO 2000 Guineas at Newmarket on Saturday fortnight – the first race in the QIPCO British Champions Series.

The Charlie Appleby-trained colt, who ended last season on the sidelines with a chipped bone in his knee that required surgery, worked with Bow And Arrow, his usual lead horse, and Golden Heritage under William Buick.

Last season’s impressive Champagne Stakes winner came through between the pair to lead in the closing stages, albeit his rider had to keep him up to his work to assert.

“We got what we wanted out of it,” Appleby said. “We were not planning to come up here and try to win by 20 lengths and become short-priced favourite for the Guineas.

“It was a nice, building piece of work and the boys were saying the ground was a bit tacky. It will put him spot-on for a crack at the Guineas and now it’s just a case of keeping him ticking over.”

Appleby also took positives out of the way Emotionless behaved throughout the workout.

“As a two-year-old we brought him here for a gallop before the Dewhurst and he got warm. I was delighted with his demeanour today – he was relaxed and has mentally matured well from two to three.”

Emotionless is generally quoted at 10-1 second favourite for the QIPCO 2000 Guineas. Air Force Blue heads the market at 4-5.