Neck second for Ottoman Fleet in G2 Fort Marcy Stakes

Ottoman Fleet narrowly failed in his bid to win the G2 Fort Marcy Stakes for a second year as he went down by a neck to Master Piece in the Aqueduct highlight on Saturday, 4 May.

Following a slight stumble leaving the stalls, Ottoman Fleet encountered early traffic and was taken back by Richard Mullen to race freely in a clear fourth of the five runners.

Ottoman Fleet loomed up around the field turning in and looked set for victory after quickening well to take up the running from Pioneering Spirit a furlong and a half from home.

The Charlie Appleby-trained five-year-old drifted out soon after, allowing Master Piece to slip up his inside and hit the front just inside the final furlong. Ottoman Fleet hung back towards the inside rail, leaning on Master Piece, with the winner holding on bravely.

Charlie Appleby said: “Ottoman Fleet ran another solid race. He will ship up to Saratoga with the rest of the team and we will try and work out a plan for him.”