Guineas second Master Of The Seas takes on Benbatl in Godolphin showdown

Friday: 3.35 Newmarket
Unibet 'You're On' Joel Stakes (Group 2) | 1m | 3yo+ | ITV4/RTV

Kameko defied a 5lb Group 1 penalty to beat his elders in last season's Joel Stakes before finishing his racing career in the Breeders' Cup Turf Mile, and similar plans may await the Charlie Appleby-trained Master Of The Seas.

The son of Dubawi has never been the easiest ride as he often races keenly, but the fitting of a hood worked a treat when he got up in the final stride to beat stablemate La Barossa in the Craven in April.

Surprisingly, that is the only piece of Group-winning form in the Joel Stakes line-up this year.

Long considered a 2,000 Guineas horse, Master Of The Seas went down fighting by a short head to Poetic Flare in the first colts' Classic and hasn't been seen since. An autumn campaign could see this crack miler at his best.

Two other colts from the Classic generation join him in the field – Laneqash and Perotto. The former has shaped well on occasions over 7f and wasn't disgraced behind Glorious Journey and D'bai in the Park Stakes this month, but an extra furlong against stronger opposition could prove tough.

Perotto hasn't missed an engagement this year and has been on the go for nearly five months. Recent efforts indicate he's not performing at the same level as earlier in the season and an improved display after a two-day turnaround is difficult to envisage.

In contrast, Benbatl, who won this race in 2019, has been seen only once since finishing third to Kameko in this event last season. Undoubtedly aimed here, the once 126-rated miler could prove the main threat to the three-year-olds under a customary front-running ride.
Race analysis by Tom Collins

Appleby: Master will improve for return

Charlie Appleby has warned there will be improvement to come from Joel Stakes favourite Master Of The Seas, who returns from nearly five months off when he takes on Godolphin stalwart Benbatl.

The three-year-old colt was last seen finishing a short-head second to Poetic Flare in the Qipco 2,000 Guineas over course and distance but a setback meant he missed a summer campaign.

A Champions Day tilt at the QEII Stakes, in which Baaeed and Palace Pier are set to clash, or Qipco Champion Stakes are among options next month, as well as a possible trip to Del Mar for the Breeders’ Cup in November.

Appleby said: “Master Of The Seas was unfortunate to meet with a setback after the 2,000 Guineas but his preparation into this has gone well and we’re very pleased with him.

“There will be improvement to come on whatever he does here as we have an eye on the Breeders’ Cup or Champions Day.”

Benbatl shares the same official rating of 117 as Master Of The Seas but gives away 4lb due to the weight-for-age allowance. The seven-year-old has the benefit of a recent run, finishing a short-head second in the Celebration Mile at Goodwood last month after almost a year off, and won this race two years ago.

Bin Suroor said: “Benbatl ran a big race in the Celebration Mile and has been working nicely since. This is another test for him but he's in good form and ready to go again.”

The two likely protagonists are ridden by the Flat jockeys’ title chasers, with William Buick aboard Master Of The Seas and reigning champion Oisin Murphy on Benbatl, a partnership that has landed the Dubai Turf and Bayerisches Zuchtrennen.

What they say

Charlie Hills, trainer of Pogo
It’s a pretty strong Group 2 but Pogo loves the track and good ground. He seems to be overpriced nearly every time he runs but could be a bit of nice value at 14-1.

William Knight, trainer of Sir Busker
The ground was too soft for him at Sandown but he’s come out of the race well. It looks very competitive with the two Godolphin horses to beat, but the prize-money is good and I’m hoping he’ll run well. We’ll aim at the QEII after this.

Roger Varian, trainer of Laneqash
The ground just went against him a little at Doncaster and, if it's the top side of good at Newmarket, that will suit him. He ran like he needs to be stepping up to a mile and he will show his best at this trip. It looks a very good race, but I think he will run a very good race.
Reporting by Jack Haynes

New Sky Bet customers can get £50 in free horseracing bets when they place a £10 bet. First single & e/w bet only. Odds of 1/1 or greater. 5 x £10 bet token. Free bet stakes not included in returns. Free bets for horseracing only. Free bets are non-withdrawable. No free bet expiry. Eligibility restrictions and further T&Cs apply. 18+. begambleaware.org. To claim the offer click here.