Good second for Ottoman Fleet in G3 Masar Darley Stakes

Ottoman Fleet produced another excellent effort at Newmarket as he filled the runner-up spot in the G3 Masar Darley Stakes, with Royal Fleet taking third in the nine-furlong contest on day two of Dubai Future Champions Festival, Saturday, 8 October.

Successful in the Listed Fairway Stakes at the same course in May, Ottoman Fleet was covered up in mid-division as Marie’s Diamond led most of the nine runners up the centre of the course. In contrast, Royal Fleet raced alone up the stands’ rail under William Buick.

Dubai Mirage made a brief bid for glory when Marie’s Diamond came back to the field three furlongs out, with Ottoman Fleet travelling strongly into the race for James Doyle approaching the final quarter-mile.

Ottoman Fleet hit the front over a furlong out but could not repel Alflaila, who collared the Charlie Appleby-trained runner before going clear to score by a length and a quarter. Royal Fleet finished well in third, a further four and a half lengths back.