Master Of The Seas makes waves in G2 Zabeel Mile

Master Of The Seas made an exciting return to action as he broke the course record in the G2 Zabeel Mile at Meydan, UAE, on Friday, 20 January.

The Charlie Appleby-trained five-year-old, who was beaten a short-head in the 2021 G1 2,000 Guineas, broke smartly and disputed third behind Modern News and Desert Fire.

Modern News kicked for home turning in, with Master Of The Seas quickening to go second entering the final quarter-mile before taking up the running over a furlong out.

Master Of The Seas readily asserted over his seven rivals, with William Buick keeping the son of Dubawi up to his work to see off the staying-on Shelir by half a length.

It was a fourth Group-race success for Master Of The Seas, whose winning time of 1m 34.28s lowered the previous mark set by Valiant Prince at last year's Carnival.

Charlie Appleby said: “Well done to all the team because they have a done a great job getting Master Of The Seas back. He had a setback after the Earl of Sefton Stakes last year and it has taken a lot of time and patience to get him to where he is now.

“The race could not have gone better. The pace was there and William had him in the box seat. It would have been handy if the pace held up a little bit longer because the one thing this horse does is travel well, but he put the race to bed and is entitled to come on for the run.

“He has a huge engine, although he is a challenge to himself. As people will have seen, we saddled him at the top there, which is nice and quiet for him. The engine is there and, if everything goes right, as it did tonight, he is a good horse.

“We will get him back and hopefully have a nice clear run through to Super Saturday for the Jebel Hatta. Then hopefully he can book his ticket for the Dubai Turf.”

William Buick said: “That was an ideal comeback from Master Of The Seas. The race set up nicely and it is lovely to get him back.

“He has always been a very exciting horse – he has been since he was a two-year-old. His class and quality have never been in question, so let’s hope he can build on this performance.

“He was taking on horses today who have had recent runs, which counts for a lot, and he is certainly a horse who deserves to be aimed at Super Saturday and then World Cup Night, all being well.”