G3 success for Ispolini in Germany

Ispolini warmed up for a crack at this year’s Melbourne Cup with a cosy neck success in the G3 Deutsches St Leger over a mile and three-quarters at Dortmund, Germany, on Sunday, 15 September.

The Charlie Appleby-trained four-year-old was covered up in mid-division of the 13 runners on the inside rail before being switched out to deliver his challenge by James Doyle at the top of the straight.

Ispolini stayed on to hit the front over a furlong from home and had enough in reserve to see off the late thrusts of Djukon and Moonshiner. His winning time came to 2m 57.08s on good going.

Charlie Appleby said: “Ispolini probably got to the front a bit too soon but he has stuck to his guns well. It was a pleasing performance and he has hopefully now booked his ticket to Australia for the Melbourne Cup (G1, 2m, Flemington, Tuesday, 5 November).”

Ispolini is set to be joined in the Melbourne Cup by last year’s winner Cross Counter, who kept on to finish fourth in the 14-furlong G1 Irish St Leger at the Curragh, Ireland, on the same afternoon.

Charlie Appleby added: “Cross Counter also put up a pleasing effort. It was a bit of a messy race but he produced another solid performance and we can look forward to seeing him try to defend his crown at Flemington.”