Buick will stick with the Master for Guineas

JOCKEY William Buick will stay loyal to Master Of The Seas in Saturday’s Qipco 2,000 Guineas after the colt answered ‘some serious questions’ with his recent Newmarket success. A hard-fought victory in the Craven Stakes a fortnight ago has encouraged Buick to retain his partnership with the son of Dubawi, leaving James Doyle with the ride aboard jointfavourite One Ruler. Charlie Appleby, trainer of the Godolphin duo, revealed it had been a tough choice for Buick ahead of the first Classic of the season. ‘It wasn’t an easy call for William, who rode Master Of The Seas in the Craven and then sat on One Ruler in a routine gallop at Moulton Paddocks last week,’ revealed Appleby. ‘William asked some serious questions of Master Of The Seas in his race and he was pleased with the response. I believe that’s what clinched it.’ Mutasaabeq, impressive winner of a Conditions event at the Craven meeting, was supplemented for Saturday’s feature and was made 7-1 by Coral. Meanwhile, online car retailer Cazoo has bolstered its support of UK racing by adding the St Leger at Doncaster to their sponsorship of the Epsom Derby and Oaks. TODAY’S opening day of the Punchestown festival features a cracking duel between Envoi Allen and Monkfish in the Dooley Champion Novice Chase, while the William Hill Champion Chase has also produced a topclass line up. The Willie Mullinstrained Chacun Pour Soi, a disappointing third in the Champion Chase at Cheltenham, bids to overcome runner-up Nube Negra.