Lola Paige (Galileo x Timbuktu 17) has her second run in a handicap in the  Keldgate Handicap over a 1m at Beverly this afternoon. She is a filly that has disappointed. Some of last years form is certainly ok, being beaten a neck by Golden Lips at Lingfield looks good as that filly went on to Finnish second in the Oaks trial at the same track. Taken on face value that would be good enough to win this afternoons contest and I am sure Lola is better than her handicap debut at Kempton last October, there were 2 excuses surface and end of a long season. Lola will be more at home on the turf and she has showed enough at home to suggest she can win a race of this nature.

Gold Maze (Golden Horn x Astonishing 17) ran a fine race yesterday evening at the Curragh finishing 2nd in the Group 3 Coolmore Ten Sovereigns Gallinule Stakes over 1m2f. He had to do a lot of the donkey work himself to bridge the gap to long time leader Toronto and for a split second looked like staying on to take the honors. Unfortunately for us Crossfirehurricane had an extra gear beating Gold Maze by 1 1/4 lengths. The result still remains a good outcome for AppleTree and our mare Astonishing, the family is expanding all the time, Gold Maze although still a maiden has a bright future. He is a sure fire winner, he could take his chance in the Irish Derby and far be it for me to tell Jessica Harrington what to do but the Irish Ledger could be a main target.

Gold Maze (Golden Horn x Astonishing 17) runs this evening in the 1m2f Coolmore Ten Sovereigns Gallinule Stakes (Group 3) and looks to build his Derby credentials. He is the second foal out of AppleTree's mare Astonishing so is an important runner for the farm. Gold Maze has already performed at Group 2 level finishing third in the Beresford stakes last season. We are hoping that he can at least add more black type but we are dreaming of hitting the jackpot should he win the tough Derby Trial headed in the market by Coolmoore's Mythical.

Inchicore (Galileo x Luas Line 17) had a nice introduction to racing yesterday at Newbury in the It's Not Rocket Science With MansionBet Maiden Fillies' Stakes over 1m2f. She was given a lovely ride by Hector Crouch being a little green after jumping out of the stalls, Hector had a lovely position in 4th/5th on the rail. Inchicore travelled smoothly there after until being kept up to her work at about the 3 pole. One little flick with the stick saw her finish the race galloping in 4th place. On paper the race looked strong with some nice pedigrees on show. Gold Wand the winner by Golden Horn holds entries in the English and Irish oaks, while the second filly Portrush, by Frankel is a half sister to the great Enable. The third filly also by Frankel, Waldfabel is from the family of Enables Arc conquering Waldgeist. Inchicore will now be given a little time till her next run which will probably see her stepping up to 1m4f. Fingers cross she can be winning this summer.

Inchicore (Galileo x Luas Line17) makes her debut fo AppleTree and Alan King this afternoon at Newbuery in the 1m2f It's Not Rocket Science With MansionBet Maiden Fillies' Stakes at 4,.10pm. She has took time to come to hand hence the reason we have left it till now to start her. Her work has been ok at home and we would like to see her run a nice race leaving us something to build on, she wears hood to pacify her as she can get herself wound up. Alan's always improve for the run and she certainly will both physically and mentally. She is by the great Galileo and with his influence as a broodmare sire making it all the more important to get the job right.

Surprise Exhibit ran green on debut at Haydock yesterday in the Read Andrew Balding On Betway Insider EBF Maiden Stakes over 7f, we had expected a better showing with his work being good at home, he was slow away and Hollie did well to get him in a decent position early. However the penny did not drop and despite Hollie Doyle's efforts Surprise Exhibit dropped away to finish 7th. I'm sure the race was a decent Maiden won by Tom Dascombe's Devious Company and we will definitely improve. Archie Watson will now look to step him up to a mile and all the family have done better with time. We are sure he is a winner in waitng.

Surprise Exhibit (Showcasing x Astonishing18) trained by Archie Watson makes his debut at Haydock in the 7f Read Andrew Balding On Betway Insider EBF Maiden Stakes (Class 5) (2yo) at 12.45. All the right names have runners in the race and you could make a case for each runner, Surprise Exhibit has been working well and we expect a decent run. He is a AppleTree homebred out of our mare Astonishing (Galileo x Amazing Krisken) a Listed winner herself and RPR of 110 she is making all the right noises to be a foundation mare for AppleTree. Her second foal Golden Maze has black type and remains in the Irish Derby. her page is expanding all the time with Yes My Boy (Footstepsinthesand x Amazing Krisken) also trained by Archie winning at the weekend and family Member Secret Advisor (Dubawi x Sub Rose) finishing second in the Buckhounds Stakes adding more black type. Hollie Doyle takes the ride.

Light at the end of the tunnel seems close with racing resuming on Monday, although behind closed doors and under trying circumstances it is definitely a positive and something to look forward too. I feel now racing has a massive shop window as it will be for time the only live sport taking place in the UK. I hope everybody embraces this and maybe just maybe we can turn bad to good with the opportunity to showcase our sport to a potential new audience. It is also looking likely that AppleTree will have a couple of runners in the first weeks. D'Arcy Spice (Lethal Force x Inyourdreams 17) is entered at Newcastle in the Callerton Novice Stakes (Class 5) (3yo+) on Monday but with the expected over subscription and on paper looking quite a hot race may not take up the engagement, she is however ready to run. Look out for other ready to go, Surprise Exhibit (Showcasing x Astonishing 18) will be entered over 7f at Haydock on the 9th of June and Kempton on the 10th. Gallaside ( Lucayan x Gallaecia 17) is ready to go as soon as there is a suitable race and Lola Paige (Galileo x Timbuktu 17) will have entries too. I do hope every one reading this is safe and well, watch this space for updates on AppleTree runners.

It is with a little sadness I have to announce that Stewart Bevan our Stud Groom is leaving AppleTree after 3 years services. He has been an inaugural part of our team and will be missed. He is heading home to work and develop the family farm, feeling he needed to do something for him self. However, after negative there is always a positive and it is pleasing to say That Jonny Sutton our assistant Stud Groom is going to take on the role. Jonny has been with us since the start and has worked his way through the ranks becoming part of the family. We are currently looking to recruit a new assistant as back up to Jonny so any one reading this with interest and experience feel free to send your applications along with CV to choc@appletreestud.co.uk

Joyous Sounds, closely related to our broodmare Midnight Thoughts (Henrythenavigator x Irresistible Jewel) and a $1,000,000 purchase at Keeneland sales by Godolphin makes her debut this morning at Saint Cloud in the 1m Prix Praline (Maiden) (Unraced 3yo Fillies) (Turf) 11.40am. Joyous Sounds by Medaglia d'Oro is out of the unraced Street Cry mare Esprit De Vie who is half sister to Midnight Thoughts. It's nice to have some action back on our screens and an interest. Lets hope Joyous Sounds gives AppleTree a pedigree update and a potential smart performer on Midnights page.