Sports Betting News: Appleby Considering Options for Dewhurst Winner

Trainer Charlie Appleby has set his sights on claiming more Group 1 glory following a productive weekend at Newmarket.

Shadow Of Light’s gritty victory in the Dewhurst Stakes on Saturday sparked a significant shake-up in the betting for the 2000 Guineas in May.

The horse’s performance could spark a rethink from Appleby, who had previously been leaning towards a sprint campaign for the horse next season.

Shadow Of Light’s impressive win in the Middle Park Stakes at the end of last month appeared to suggest he would be aimed at the top sprint races in 2025.

However, the son of Lope De Vega added another string to his bow by fending off some talented rivals to claim victory in the Dewhurst Stakes over the weekend.

Appleby’s charge was cut to 10/1 on horse racing betting sites for the first Classic of the season and he may be tempted to head down that route given the manner of his performance.

Top Irish trainer Aidan O’Brien’s hopes of winning the Dewhurst for the second consecutive year were scuppered when The Lion In Winter was ruled out of the race with a foot infection.

The son of Sea The Stars is unbeaten in two starts and was on track to follow in the footsteps of stablemate City Of Troy by running in the Dewhurst.

Despite missing the race at Newmarket, betting apps still rate The Lion In Winter as the favourite to win the 2000 Guineas and The Derby next year.

Delacroix was cut from 20/1 to 8/1 on UK betting sites for the Futurity Trophy at Doncaster after winning the Group 3 Emirates Autumn Stakes over the weekend.

The son of Dubawi showed plenty of determination under jockey Ryan Moore to fend off a sustained challenge from Stanhope Gardens in the final furlong.

O’Brien indicated the horse will improve as a three-year-old and he could be worth following when he steps up in distance next season.