Ottoman Fleet has too much firepower in G2 Fort Marcy Stakes

Ottoman Fleet continued his superb spring with a decisive victory on his North American debut in the G2 Fort Marcy Stakes at Belmont Park on Saturday, 6 May.

The Charlie Appleby-trained four-year-old, who had gained a first G3 success on his previous outing in Newmarket’s Earl Of Sefton Stakes, soon disputed fifth on the inside of City Man as Tide Of The Sea raced into an uncontested lead.

Ottoman Fleet started to make headway when Tide Of The Sea came back to the field approaching the straight and the Godolphin runner quickened up the inner rail to hit the front a furlong out.

Tide Of The Sea rallied, with Rockemperor and City Man also making late challenges, but Ottoman Fleet never looked in any danger and was pushed out by Richard Mullen to score by a length and three-quarters.

Richard Mullen said: “I had an exceptional horse today in Ottoman Fleet. The main thing was to have something to aim at – he is one of those horses who tends to idle when he gets there – and he is in such great form.

“Kieren Fallon rides his work and he gave me all the pointers about him. It was a pleasure when Charlie offered me the ride. You don’t turn things like this down and it’s a welcome winner.

“Ottoman Fleet had been training in Dubai earlier in the year, which is a similar style of training to over here. It’s a huge help when you are riding for these connections, for His Highness Sheikh Mohammed and for Charlie. It’s a great opportunity to get.

“Hopefully, it’s part of a good week because we have Warren Point over here for the G1 Man o’ War Stakes. Frankie Dettori is coming out to ride him, so my job is done!”