Ottoman Fleet finishes with a wet sail to take G3 Earl Of Sefton Stakes

Ottoman Fleet continued his excellent record at Newmarket as he swooped from the rear to record a first G3 success in the Earl Of Sefton Stakes on Tuesday, 18 April.

The Charlie Appleby-trained four-year-old posted two Listed wins at the course in 2022, in addition to finishing second in the G3 Masar Darley Stakes, and placed in Group company on all three of his appearance at Meydan earlier this year.

Held up in last of the seven runners, Ottoman Fleet travelled well into the race passing the two-furlong pole. The son of Sea The Stars quickened smartly after being switched by William Buick approaching the final furlong, hitting the front over half a furlong out before going away to score by two lengths from Poker Face.

Charlie Appleby said: “We have seen that Ottoman Fleet handles this track well. He showed some decent form in Dubai and came here fit, while the race set up well for him. He likes a target and William gave him a confident ride.

“Today’s race was the plan and we haven’t really got anything in mind going forward. He has been kept busy through the winter, so probably deserves a break before we look at coming back from mid-summer onwards.”

William Buick added: “Ottoman Fleet likes following horses and he travels. He likes to get his toe in and ran well in Dubai, when things weren’t really run to suit him. You could really see his best on the ground today and hopefully it is onwards and upwards for the rest of the season.”