Dance Sequence seeks G3 glory with Nell Gwyn Stakes victory

DUBAI: Unbeaten filly Dance Sequence aims to book her 1,000 Guineas ticket with a strong showing in the G3 Nell Gwyn Stakes at Newmarket on Wednesday.

The daughter of Dubawi has already posted a G3 win over the course and distance when staying on strongly to prevail by a neck in the Godolphin Lifetime Care Oh So Sharp Stakes in October.

Dance Sequence made a successful debut for Charlie Appleby with a half-length success in a maiden at Newmarket’s July Course.

Charlie Appleby said: “Dance Sequence has done very well over the winter. She has already won over the course and distance in the Oh So Sharp Stakes and looks the one to beat again.”

Stable-mate Otoman Fleet looks to extend his superb record on the Rowley Mile with a repeat victory in the G3 Earl Of Seton Stakes on the same card.

An easy two-length winner 12 months ago, the Sea The Stars five-year-old has posted a pair of Listed victories at the course and finished second in the 2022 renewal of the G3 Masar Darley Stakes.

Otoman Fleet captured the G2 Fort Marcy Stakes in the United States last season and spent the winter in Dubai, where he filled the runner-up spot behind Measured Time in the G1 Jebel Hata.

Charlie Appleby said: “Otoman Fleet put up a couple of decent runs in Dubai and we gave him a nice break since he disappointed slightly in the Singspiel Stakes. He has freshened up again and we know that he runs well at the track. Some ease in the ground won’t do him any harm.”

El Cordobes steps up to Listed level for his first turf appearance in the Feilden Stakes. The Frankel colt has made two all-weather appearances at Kempton Park and improved from a debut sixth to comfortably take a novice race in January.

Charlie Appleby said: “I’ve been happy with El Cordobes going into this. Like a lot of runners at this time of year, we will be hoping to establish what kind of level we are looking at for the season ahead, but he has done well physically since winning in January.”

Meanwhile, Master Of The Seas continued where he let off in 2023 as he posted back-toback G1 wins in North America with an impressive display in the Maker’s Mark Mile at Keeneland.

Last season’s Breeders’ Cup Mile scorer, who also annexed the G1 Woodbine Mile in Canada last season, showed his customary turn of foot to come home two and a quarter lengths clear of stable-companion Naval Power.

Both horses look set to remain in the United States, with targets at Churchill Downs, Aqueduct and Saratoga among several options.