British trainer Charlie Appleby brought seven Godolphin-owned horses to Keeneland for stakes races this spring, though his North American assault will continue past the meet that concludes April 26.
His 1-2 finishers from the April 12 Maker's Mark Mile Stakes (G1T) at Keeneland, Master of The Seas and Naval Power, are candidates for either the $1 million Turf Classic Stakes (G1T) May 4 at Churchill Downs or the $200,000 Fort Marcy Stakes (G2T) at Aqueduct Racetrack that same day. Both races are at 1 1/8 miles.
"That would be good for Naval Power to step up to nine (furlongs) off this," Appleby said.
A second wave of Godolphin invaders will be arriving soon for other targets at Churchill Downs and Aqueduct.
"Nations Pride is penciled in for the Man o' War," Appleby said of the 1 3/8-mile grade 2 turf race at Aqueduct May 11 that would mark the 2024 debut for the three-time grade 1 winner. "And Legend of Time is coming for the American Turf at Churchill (May 4)."
The American Turf (G2T) is for 3-year-olds at 1 1/16 miles on grass.
