Appleby looks for BC Filly & Mare repeat

Twelve months after Wuheida triumphed in the G1 Breeders Cup Filly & Mare Turf, Charlie Appleby believes Wild Illusion can complete a rare double in the race for Godolphin.

 Both fillies won the G1 Prix Marcel Boussac as two-year-olds, and both came to the Breeders’ Cup off the back of runs in the G1 Prix de l’Opera at Longchamp.

 But whereas Wuheida finished fourth in Paris, Wild Illusion produced one of her most courageous performances to land the prize.

 One start earlier, Goodwood had been the stage for Wild Illusion beating a field of high class fillies in the G1 Nassau Stakes.

 Appleby is upbeat about the filly’s chances of emulating her former stablemate.

 “She comes to Churchill Downs off the back of two very good wins at the highest level,” the trainer said.

 “She’s talented and also very tough, which is what you need for the Filly & Mare Turf, and the ground is not a concern. She’s versatile enough to handle soft or quick going.

 “And with a good draw in 3, she has a lot going for her,” he added.

 Wild Illusion is a daughter of Dubawi out of a Monsun mare, so there is every indication she will be staying on as well as anything in the race.