Punters hold their breath as ‘monster plunge’ on Aidan O’Brien horse who’s ‘so fast’ threatens to go up in flames

A ‘MONSTER’ plunge on an Aidan O’Brien horse who’s ‘so fast’ could go up in flames – thanks to big rival Charlie Appleby.

Whistlejacket looked a future superstar when sent off odds-on for Norfolk at last year’s Royal Ascot.

Aidan O’Brien’s big rival Charlie Appleby could make the ‘monster plunge’ on Whistlejacket go up in smoke in the July Cup – after the Godolphin trainer supplemented former 2,000 Guineas winner Notable Speech for the big Group 1PA

PAWhistlejacket, right, looked a world-beater but it hasn’t quite worked out what way – and a massive gamble on him could yet be foiled on Saturday[/caption]

But he could only finish fourth that day before banging in Group 2 and Group 1 wins at Newmarket and Deauville respectively.

The Coolmore-owned colt returned this season with a Listed success at Navan but was again turned over at odds on at Naas in May.

He finished sixth in last month’s Commonwealth Cup – yet that tells only half the story.

Whistlejacket travelled ominously well but was repeatedly denied a clear run in the closing stages, beaten just under five lengths but nearest at the finish.

Amazingly, on the back of that, odds of 33-1 for Saturday’s July Cup were available ante-post for the confirmed 6f specialist.

A number of shrewd punters moved to gobble up the price and he has been hammered all the way into a best 7-1 for the £657,000 Group 1 as a result.

The gamble on Whistlejacket had all the hallmarks of a good, old-fashioned punt – until Appleby got involved.

The Moulton Paddocks handler threw a massive spanner in the works when he supplemented former 2,000 Guineas winner Notable Speech on Monday.

He’s been walloped as a result and is now into as short as 2-1 having been put in the market at 4s.

That’s not to say Whistlejacket can’t still do the business for O’Brien and likely jockey Ryan Moore.

But if Notable Speech had not been added then Whistlejacket would be vying for favouritism – if not favourite – against the likes of Flora Of Bermuda and Inisherin.

O’Brien – who has another horse running this week that punters are certain is ‘banker material’ – hasn’t lost hope.

Speaking of Whistlejacket’s chances, the Ballydoyle boss said: “We were happy with him going into Ascot, but we all saw what happened with him there so we didn’t get a clear reading.

“He just didn’t have any luck in running in the Commonwealth Cup, but we have been happy with him since.

“The plan was to always go sprinting with him this season and after Ascot the intention was to bring him to Newmarket for the July Cup.

“He was a good winner over course and distance last year in the July Stakes so we know that he handles the track well.

“It was quick at Ascot, and he looked okay there, so the ground shouldn’t be a problem for him.

“We have won this race with some great horses in the past and hopefully he will give a good account of himself.”