Appleby’s three-year-old looks well set to complete rare Derby-eclipse double

can join an elite band of horses to complete the Derby-eclipse double when he lines up for the Coralsponsored Group One at Sandown.

The feat has only been achieved five times since the end of the Second World War, with Tulyar in (1952), Mill Reef (1971), Nashwan (1989), Sea The Stars (2009) and Golden Horn (2015) standing tall in the annals of racing history.

Now it is Masar’s turn to join that illustrious honour when he takes on older horses in what is the first major clash of the generations in a season.

Masar heads to the Esher track with top-class credentials. Winner of the Solario Stakes there in September, the son of New Approach has ventured far and wide with trips to France, America and Dubai.

While he was not successful in any of those countries, the experiences were crucial to his education.

His first victory of 2018 was a sight to behold at Newmarket where he blitzed his Craven Stakes rivals by nine lengths.

His 2000 Guineas effort was creditable, though he had to settle for third place behind Saxon Warrior, but he reversed that form in style at Epsom with a commanding performance.

Strangely, he has yet to run over a mile and a quarter but the evidence is it should suit him, as will the fast ground.

Masar delighted trainer Charlie Appleby in a workout at Newmarket at the weekend and Godolphin can celebrate another important triumph in a brilliant year for the team.

DARK PROFIT is of interest in the Argyll Holidays: Why Go Further? Handicap at Ayr tomorrow.

The six-year-old enjoyed a fine campaign for Keith Dalgleish term, winning at Ayr, Carlisle Musselburgh.

He flopped on his final outing of 2017 last October, but ground conditions had gone against by that stage and he should be far more at home on the fast surface he encounters on his return to action.

Dark Profit is only 4lb higher than his last winning mark and is certainly capable of adding to his tally if fit enough after a lengthy absence.

HAYMARKET should also be backed in division one of the Create Great Family Memories Together Handicap.

Mike Smith’s nine-year-old had been out of form, but he looked in good order over this course and distance last month last and when beaten by a head by Thorntoun Care in an amateur riders’ handicap.

Haymarket returns to Ayr off a 2lb higher mark, but the two-time course scorerremainswelltreatedonhiswinning form at Musselburgh last summer.

12.20 Sound And Silence, 12.55 Daira Prince, 1.30 Awesometank, 2.10 MASAR (NAP), 2.45 Los Camachos, 3.20 Nearly Caught, 3.55 De Medici.

1.30 Fajjaj, 2.00 Home Before Dusk, 2.30 Haymarket, 3.05 Ravenhoe, 3.35 Brother Mcgonagall, 4.05 Dark Profit, 4.40 Logi, 5.10 Lexington Place.

DOUBLE: Masar and Dark Profit.

Picture: Getty Images. Derby winners: Masar and William Buick.