Appleby upbeat about first Sydney runners

Godolphin trainer Charlie Appleby believes Penglai Pavilion and Polarisation will both prove very competitive in the G1 Schweppes Sydney Cup, one of the features on the second day of The Championships at Randwick on April 8.

The Sydney Cup, which has been won by some of the best stayers in Australia, including Galilee and Kingston Town, is worth A$2m -- and run over 3,200m.

Appleby, who saddled Qewy to finish fourth in the G1 Melbourne Cup at Flemington in November, as well as winning four races at the Melbourne Spring Carnival, has confirmed he will be bringing his first runners to the Sydney Autumn Carnival.

"Penglai Pavilion finished fifth in Treve's (2013) G1 Arc at Longchamp and also proved himself very useful over hurdles," Appleby explained. "He's a very good stayer, who is in top form. He will be suited by the Sydney Cup. "Polarisation is also a decent stayer, who raced over jumps. He, too, will like this type of race," he added.

Appleby will also be taking Gold Trail, a recent Dubai winner, to Melbourne on March 25 for the Listed Mornington Cup, over 2,400m, at the provincial track's special metro fixture. The Mornington Cup winner earns a fast track, ballot exempt, entry to the G1 Caulfield Cup in October.

"All three horses will additionally be nominated for the G2 Schweppes Chairman's Quality at Randwick on April 1, but this is only as a precaution," Appleby stressed. "We have no intention of running in the Chairman's. It is only in case one of them has a setback," he pointed out.

"I excited about sending our first runners to Sydney," Appleby said. "We had a great Carnival in Melbourne, and if we could have even half as good a time in Sydney, I would be delighted," he added.

All three Godolphin runners will be quarantined at Canterbury racecourse in Sydney on arrival in Australia.