Expect Appleby’s Master to sail in

MASTER OF THE SEAS can return to winning ways in the bet365 Craven Stakes at Newmarket today.

Charlie Appleby gave his Classic hope an outing in Dubai in February, but he came off second best that night, beaten by a stablemate in Naval Crown, and many will have been disappointed.

However, if you are preparing a horse for a Classic campaign, he is very unlikely to be anywhere near cherry-ripe that early in the year.

He ran like a horse who would sharpen up both physically and mentally for the outing, and Appleby made no secret of the fact he expected huge improvement in his post-race comments.

Master Of The Seas was very keen that night, which could have been explained away as freshness, but Appleby has reached for the hood now.

There are some very unexposed youngsters in opposition, but his National Stakes fourth to Thunder Moon in Ireland is the best piece of form on offer.

JOHN LEEPER is a very interesting runner for Ed Dunlop in the bet365 British EBF “Confined” Novice Stakes.

He boasts an exceptional pedigree as a son of Frankel out of Snow Fairy, who counted both the Epsom and Irish Oaks among her six Group One triumphs for Dunlop in her racing days.

John Leeper made an encouraging debut at Doncaster when fourth of 10 in September and Ryan Moore, who had such a good relationship with Snow Fairy, has been booked.

SELECTIONS:

CHELTENHAM: 1.30 The Glancing Queen, 2.05 Her Indoors, 2.40 Molly Ollys Wishes, 3.15 Black Tulip, 3.50 Pink Legend, 4.25 Miss Amelia, 5.00 Signal Point.

NEWCASTLE: 4.55 Top Fox, 5.25 Maytal, 5.55 Despoina, 6.25 Zihaam, 6.55 Headshot, 7.25 Baby Alya, 7.55 Cosmos Raj, 8.25 Burrows Seeside. NEWMARKET: 1.15 Shalanez, 1.50 Creative Force, 2.25 Valiant Prince, 3.00 Oxted, 3.35 MASTER OF THE SEAS (NAP), 4.10 John Leeper, 4.45 Bullace.

DOUBLE: Master Of The Seas and John Leeper.

Charlie Appleby: Trains Master Of The Seas.