Discovery mission for Classic hope Masar

Godolphin trainer Charlie Appleby hopes to find out if highly rated Masar is capable of handling a dirt track when the colt contests the Listed Al Bastakiya on Super Saturday at Meydan.

The son of Darley stallion New Approach has not raced since finishing a courageous sixth in the G1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf at Del Mar in November but has been working well at Godolphin Marmoom in Dubai.

From five starts — all on turf — he has won twice and been placed twice, and Appleby believes the colt has genuine Classic aspirations.

“This is a chance to learn a bit more about him,” Appleby explained. 

“Obviously, we have Gold Town going for the G2 UAE Derby on World Cup night, but Masar could establish his own credentials on dirt, which would add another dimension to his profile.

“It is very likely this race will act as his prep for Newmarket’s G1 2000 Guineas, which will be his first target back in the UK. All going well, he could then progress to the Derby trials,” he added.

Appleby believes that Masar, the highest-rated in the Al Bastakiya, will be given a stern test at his first run on Meydan’s dirt surface.

“He has drawn wide, but also the horse drawn Gate one, Yulong Warrior, is a good yardstick who ran some very promising races when trained by Michael Halford in Ireland.

“It will be tough, but Masar has done very well at home and I expect him to run very well,” Appleby added.