Masar bids for his place in 2000 Guineas history

History has a habit of repeating itself in racing, but not as often as many might like to believe.

For example, only three horses in the past 40 horses have completed the G3 Craven Stakes / G1 2,000 Guineas double, which is unusual because it appears the most logical path to the first Classic of the British season.

In an ideal world, a ‘trial’ over course and distance, just over two weeks before the big day seems perfect.

It is perhaps relevant that the select trio who pulled it off were all outstanding horses in their own right. Dancing Brave (1986), Tirol (1990) and Haafhd (2004) all used the Guineas as a springboard to bigger achievements.

It is in this context that Godolphin’s Masar comes to the 209-year old Classic with his chance to earn a place beside the racing legends.

But what Masar has in his favour - and many in the past didn’t have - is that he travelled extensively as a two-year-old, learning his craft, and that he won the Craven by nine lengths.

A nine-length demolition job on a collection of decent opponents, now that was eye-catching.

“It was hard not to be impressed,” trainer Charlie Appleby agreed. “Visibly, it was a striking performance. If he had won by one or two lengths, then ok, but nine lengths was very impressive,” he said.

“We went into that race a fit horse, with the run under our belt out in Dubai, but you couldn’t have been more pleased with the way he quickened away in the final furlong of the Craven. Once he hit the rising ground, he put a lot of distance between himself and the rest of the field. 

“He has definitely come forward mentally and in terms of maturity. His preparation has been very routine since then and we are very happy with him. It should be lovely ground at Newmarket on Saturday and he has the course experience now. 

“He made all last time out but ideally we would like to take a lead. He is a very versatile horse – he can make the running but has also been dropped in behind horses. We will play it by ear from stall 14 and leave it up to William as to where he feels the pace might be. 

“Masar is a horse that we always loved as a two-year-old. It was unfortunate how it panned out for him at the Breeders’ Cup but we put a line through that and we knew not long after the gates opened out in Dubai that dirt was not the surface for him. 

“Based on what we saw in the Craven, we must go into Saturday’s race hoping that he is a serious contender. It’s an exciting weekend for the team and we hope that Masar has a decent chance.”

Masar faces 13 rivals, including strong opposition from Ireland in the shape of Saxon Warrior and Gustav Klimt, both trained by Aidan O’Brien.

Elarqam, by Frankel out of Attraction, both Guineas winners, will carry the colours of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum. The colt is trained by Mark Johnston.