3 minute read

Langham-based trainer Mick Appleby looks set to field two runners in Wednesday’s Carlisle Bell with both last-time-out winners United Front and Golden Sands amongst the seventeen declared to compete in search of the world’s oldest sporting trophy.

The mile prize was first run in 1599 and Mick Appleby is hopeful his fine month can continue on the back of a maiden Royal Ascot success when Big Ez landed the Listed Windsor Castle Stakes last week.

Appleby said: "I've just about come back to earth after last week at Ascot. We had a staff party that night when we got back. I was up until about 11pm but was shattered as it was a long day but a very good one. 

"Looking at the two we have in the Carlisle Bells they both won last time out so they are going there in good form and the track should be ideal as it is similar to Beverley.  

"It is very hard to split them. If it was on the all-weather, I would say United Front as he has a higher mark on that, but this is on the turf and Golden Sands is a good horse on his day. Both should have a very good chance and I'd like to think they will be up there." 

Five-time all-weather winner United Front was last seen breaking his duck on turf at Beverley last-time-out and trainer Mick Appleby is quietly confident he remains well-treated on turf. 

He said: "It was the first time United Front had won on the turf when he won last time but he had a lower handicap mark on the turf. 

"He had run well on the turf though at Nottingham a couple of years ago, but it was good to finally get a win on that surface.  

"We have run him more on the all-weather just because he has run some decent races on it and the opportunities were there for him. 

"We are claiming three pounds off his back with Frederick [Larson] riding him, so he is effectively off the same mark as last time.  

"He is going there well handicapped on the turf."   

Fellow last-start Beverley scorer Golden Sands will be partnered by Ali Rawlinson and Appleby had nothing but praise for the rider's relationship with the horse.

"United Front is a good ride, and he has a good temperament whereas Ali always rides Golden Sands as he is quite a difficult ride, and he gets on well with him.  

"It was always the plan to come to this race with Golden Sands after Beverley as he is very much a seven-furlong to a mile horse.  

"As for United Front, the owners wanted to put him in the race after his Beverley win last time out. It is nice to be able to have two runners in a race like this."

The pair are seemingly well drawn with Golden Sands in stall five and stablemate United Front just a couple wider in seven.

United Front is the more favoured of the pair at 9/1 with Golden Sands available at a general 22/1.