Appleby relies on experience in both BC Juvenile races

Godolphin trainer Charlie Appleby believes there is no substitute for experience when it comes to contesting the big two-year-old races at the Breeders’ Cup.

He sent Masar to last year’s G1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile with four starts to his name.

Although the colt could finish only sixth after suffering a rough passage in running, the ordeal probably helped mould him into the battle-hardened three-year-old who won the G1 Derby seven months later.

This year, Appleby sends La Pelosa to the G1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf and Line Of Duty to the G1 Juvenile Turf, both over one mile on Friday’s card.

La Pelosa comes to Churchill Downs off the back of a win in the G1 Natalma Stakes at Woodbine and has had six starts, while Line Of Duty, a G3 winner in France, has had four.

“Those runs count as an important part of their early education, and they need that experience in these Breeders’ Cup races. The competition is so intense.

“La Pelosa came back to Newmarket after her win in Canada, she had a little break, has freshened up, and I’ve been pleased with her preparation.

“Line Of Duty was able to make the immediate progression from his maiden win to G3 success, and he, too, brings experience to the table. They have drawn well, both in gate 5, and I expect them to be competitive,” Appleby said.

A very early win for Appleby on the world stage came in 2013 when he saddled Outstrip to take the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf at Santa Anita.