Craven meeting the key to Godolphin plans

The leading lights among the Charlie Appleby-trained three-year-olds arrived back at Moulton Paddocks, Newmarket, having enjoyed a winter working holiday in Dubai.

“They got back to the UK on Monday, and they are in good shape,” Appleby reported.

Masar, who finished third in the G1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere in October, is set to have his first British run this year in the G3 Craven Stakes on Thursday, 19 April.

The New Approach colt was one of a talented group, who took part in a series of important gallops at the weekend at Marmoom, the private Godolphin training facility on the outskirts of Dubai.

Other big names sighted there were Ghaiyyath and Wild Illusion, whose Classic plans have yet to be finalised.

Appleby explained that no decision on whether Ghaiyyath is to contest the G1 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket or the G2 Dante Stakes at York had been taken.

“We will wait until after the Craven meeting before firming up his plans,” he said.

“As for Wild Illusion, we have to work out whether she goes for the English or the French 1,000 Guineas,” he pointed out.

Wild Illusion has won two of her three starts, the highlight being her victory in the G1 Prix Marcel Boussac at Chantilly in October.