Wuheida, tipped at 10/1 by our Matt Brocklebank, won the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf at Del Mar.
William Buick - riding his first Breeders' Cup winner - had his mount handy in third going into the first turn and got a great response from the Godolphin-owned three-year-old in the straight.
In contrast, Frankie Dettori found himself looking for room on the strong-travelling Queen's Trust as Sir Michael Stoute's four-year-old made her bid to repeat last year's success.
She finished with a real rattle but all too late, and it was the Aidan O'Brien-trained Rhododenron who proved the main threat to the winner.
Buick said: "I can't explain it, it means everything to me. I've had plenty of goes and not been successful, so it means everything. It's a big team effort - a big thank you to everyone at home."
He added: "Charlie targeted this race for her from a long way out. He is a great trainer and gives me lots of confidence."
Appleby said: "I knew I had the filly in good order, and she has pleased me through the week. Running to the first turn I knew she was in the right position and William gave her a peach of a ride. It's great for my team, who have worked so hard, and His Highness (Sheikh Mohammed) for letting me bring her here."
Asked if the winner would stay in training, Appleby said: "She's obviously a very valuable filly now, so we will talk to Sheikh Mohammed about that."
O'Brien refused to blame Rhododendron's draw in stall 14 for defeat, saying: "No, there wasn't an advantage. She's run very well and I'm delighted with that. There are no excuses."
The race was run over a furlong shorter than 12 months ago and Stoute said of Queen's Trust: "She's run really well and was flying at the death, but we always knew the step back in distance would be a problem."
