Godolphin pair of Nations Pride, With The Moonlight set next target

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Nations Pride and With The Moonlight, the two Godolphin-owned, Charlie Appleby-trained runners who swept last weekend’s turf stakes for 3-year-olds, are sticking around a little longer.

While Nations Pride, winner of the Grade 1, $1 million Saratoga Derby on Saturday, has his objective as the Grade 3, $1 million Jockey Club Derby on Sept. 17 at Aqueduct, With The Moonlight could run right back in the Grade 2, $200,000 Lake Placid here on Aug. 20.

“That’s what we’re potentially looking at,” Appleby said Monday after arriving home in England from Saratoga.

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Appleby said the Lake Placid could be used as a stepping-stone to the Grade 1 Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup on Oct. 15 at Keeneland.

With The Moonlight was second to McKulick in the Belmont Oaks on July 9, but turned the tables on that one in the Oaks on Sunday, getting first run on McKulick to win the 1 3/16-mile race by 1 3/4 lengths. She earned a 92 Beyer Speed Figure.

Jockey William Buick told Appleby the filly has enough speed to be effective at shorter distances. The Lake Placid is run at 1 1/16 miles while the QE II is run at 1 1/8 miles.

Appleby said all reports are that With The Moonlight and Nations Pride came out of their races in good order.

Appleby said he may have a horse to send for the Grade 3, $700,000 Jockey Club Oaks in Eternal Pearl. A daughter of Frankel, Eternal Pearl won a listed race at 1 1/2 miles in July and is scheduled to run in a stakes in France this weekend.

Meanwhile Appleby said that Yibir, the Breeders’ Cup Turf winner, remains on course to ship here Aug. 17 or 18 for the Grade 1 Sword Dancer on Aug. 27.