Big targets on the horizon for Sprint Cup hero Mojo

Qipco Champions Day at Ascot and a second trip to the Breeders’ Cup are among the options under consideration for Big Mojo after he provided trainer Mick Appleby with a first domestic Group One success in the Betfair Sprint Cup at Haydock.

The Rutland handler has saddled only one previous top-level winner, with the similarly named Big Evs claiming a thrilling victory at the Breeders’ Cup two years ago.

Big Mojo emulated his former stablemate by winning the Molecomb Stakes at Goodwood last summer before performing creditably at the Breeders’ Cup himself, while this season he had won Ascot’s Pavilion Stakes and come within a neck of a Group One triumph in the July Cup at Newmarket.

Having subsequently finished only fifth in the King George Stakes at Goodwood, the Mohaather colt was a 16-1 shot for his latest big-race test on Merseyside – but with stands’ rail to help, he roared back to form under a power-packed drive from William Buick to record a one-and-a-quarter-length victory.

Appleby said: “That was absolutely great, he did it so well. Everything went to plan and it took William half the track to pull him up!

“I think it does mean more to win a Group One here (in Britain). He’s a very good horse, obviously we were disappointed at Goodwood but we put it down to the softer ground.

“There were a lot of question marks next to his name, but he was in great form at home and we were coming here quite optimistic, to be fair

“We always had faith in the horse and he’s definitely up there with Big Evs.”

Both Big Evs and Big Mojo are part-owned by Paul Teasdale, who is clearly keen on a return to California in early November.

He said: “We knew he would give us a big run. I said to William going out ‘we just need another July Cup performance’ as we were only inches away from winning that day. We knew he was capable and we knew this was a Group One horse and it was just a case of getting it right on the day.

“He came fourth at the Breeders’ Cup last year and we wouldn’t be scared to go back. We think he’s equally good at five or six furlongs and he handled Del Mar really well last year.

“We’ve got an entry at Ascot on Champions Day and we might even consider the Prix de l’Abbaye. Let’s enjoy today and we’ll think about it.”

Buick was riding for the first time and said: “It was a brilliant spare ride to get, it all came together and we got the job done.

“It’s beautiful ground and I think middle to stands’ side is where you want to be. The race panned out well, but he put in a big performance I thought. He was very smooth and really I had no moment of worry. Once I gave him the get-go, he just got on with it and saw it out well.

“I’m delighted for Mick and the owners. They’re great people and these are the days we all do it for.”