Appleby pleased with Masar's Hardwicke performance after early stalls drama

Charlie Appleby took encouragement from the comeback run of last season's Derby hero Masar, which almost ended within seconds of the Hardwicke Stakes starting.

Masar, who was making his first start since landing the Epsom Classic a year ago, stumbled coming out of the stalls and lurched to his right, with rider James Doyle lucky to stay on board.

Turning into the straight the son of New Approach looked to be going strongly but did not pick up, eventually finishing four and three-quarter lengths behind Defoe in fifth.

Appleby said: "James [Doyle] said he completely fluffed his lines and stumbled coming out of the race, but luckily he stayed on board.

"They went consistent fractions but it was not mad. He overraced for a bit but I liked the way he travelled into the race. He came there as if he was going to run a race but he was entitled to run a bit tired and did for the last few furlongs."

Masar: won the Derby at Epsom in 2018Credit: Edward Whitaker

Of the early-race drama, Doyle said: "When the stalls opened his nose disappeared. When he came back up he hit me in the chest and put me back in the saddle.

"We ended up a bit further back than we wanted and then he got caught for a bit of speed in the straight."

Looking ahead, Appleby has his eye on the Juddmonte International at York in August as a possible target for his Derby winner.

The trainer said: "He showed all of his enthusiasm which is the most important thing. If he comes out of the race fit and well then we can have a bit of fun with him.

"It's early days. We've got a few options, including going here for the King George next month, but we have spoken about York and I wouldn't mind coming back [in trip] for something like the International at York."

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