Should the ground turn soft then Appleby may have to revisit plans but currently he is on target for the Knavesmire.

Last season as a three-year-old he was beaten a neck in the July Cup and went on to win the Sprint Cup at Haydock.

Now a year older Appleby is hoping for more success.

“The plan is to start him off at York as long as the ground is fine for him,” he said.

“If I could pick it now I’d like good to firm for him but he probably wouldn’t run if there was any soft in the description.

“He’s going to have a penalty but unfortunately that is the price you pay for winning a Group One.

“As for where we go for the rest of the season trip-wise whether to stay at six or five we’ll just see. The owner is keen to have another go over five somewhere.

“It’s brilliant that he’s stayed in training, though. To have him in the yard is great.”