Appleby gives green light for Cox Plate bid

Godolphin trainer Charlie Appleby has given the nod for Folkswood to face champion mare Winx in Saturday's G1 Cox Plate at Moonee Valley.

Speaking from his Newmarket (UK) base, Appleby said: "Folkswood has come through the week since his Cranbourne Cup (on October 15) win very well.

"He has pleased our team down at Werribee, doing a bit of easy work there on Saturday," he pointed out

"It is a big challenge to be coming up against Winx, but Folkswood is an improving young horse, who deserves his chance to be running in a race such as the Cox Plate," he added.

Meanwhile, Appleby is considering either Saturday's G2 Moonee Valley Gold Cup or the Listed Bendigo Cup on November 1 for Godolphin stayer Qewy.

"We will keep the options open for Qewy and finalise a target later in the week," the trainer said.

Qewy is by-passing Wednesday's G3 Geelong Cup, a race he won last year.