This could be Godolphin's forgotten horse - and here's why you should take note

Tuesday: 3.00 Newmarket
bet365 Earl Of Sefton Stakes (Group 3) | 1m1f | 4yo+ | ITV4/RTV

Master Of The Seas could well be the forgotten horse this season from a Charlie Appleby stable crammed full of Group 1 performers.

In a dominant season when Adayar and Hurricane Lane stole the headlines, it is easily overlooked that the Godolphin trainer was only a short-head away from landing all three colts' Classics, courtesy of a horse who had also landed the Craven Stakes.

Unfortunately, multiple setbacks meant we did not see the 2,000 Guineas runner-up until four months later, when only third as an 11-8 favourite in the Joel Stakes.

He did not get the smoothest of passages but the seventh-place finish in the QEII which followed was a further disappointment. His form since coming back is the obvious question mark.

What has changed since Ascot, however, is the gelding operation and this is well worth taking note. A number of previously good horses in Appleby's care have improved significantly after the operation in recent years.

Yibir is the most obvious example. Last season, he was second in Goodwood's Cocked Hat Stakes in May with a previous highest RPR of 111 but, after a gelding operation, he won four times, including in the Breeders Cup Turf (123). The peak RPRs of stablemates Glorious Journey, Siskany and Al Suhail have improved dramatically since surgery too.

Charlie Appleby: enjoyed a brilliant 2021Credit: Edward Whitaker

A top-class older miler is the only department in which Appleby seems to be lacking, but that could change after this, as could the general 8-1 about Master Of The Seas for the Lockinge.

Of the opponents, a rock-solid string of efforts in South African Group 1 and 2 races make Catch Twentytwo a highly interesting candidate on his first start in Britain for Jane Chapple-Hyam.

Bell Rock saves his best for here and goes well fresh, while a line can be drawn through Megallan's last run on testing ground. He'd finished strongly to land a Group 3 previously.

'We're expecting a big run' - Master Of The Seas camp confident

It is hoped a return to the Rowley Mile will spur Master Of The Seas back to his best, according to Charlie Appleby.

The four-year-old was winner of the Craven Stakes at this fixture 12 months ago and went down fighting when touched off by Poetic Flare in the 2,000 Guineas just over a fortnight later. He also won at the track on debut.

While he has not run to form on two efforts since, Appleby is bullish about his chances on seasonal reappearance.

Poetic Flare (far) was a narrow winner of the 2,000 Guineas over Master Of The SeasCredit: Edward Whitaker

“Master Of The Seas has brought some of his best form to the Rowley Mile," Appleby said. "This will be his first start since being gelded and we have been pleased with his preparation. Conditions there will suit and we're expecting a big run.”

All three of Bell Rock's victories have come at this track, two of which were on his comeback, and jockey David Probert is hopeful of another good performance.

"He was in a few competitive races last year but he's a solid, consistent type," Probert said.

"He handles the track really well and the ground should be perfect. I'm happy enough with my draw [stall 2] and there looks to be a little bit of pace in the race. He runs well fresh, so we're hopeful."

What they say

Michael Dods, trainer of Brunch
He’s rated high for handicaps and low for Group races, so there’s nothing coming up for him. He’s in good form and I’m sure he’ll run well, but it’s a tall order against some of these.

Roger Varian, trainer of Father Of Jazz
He ran very well in the Magnolia Stakes at Kempton and we thought he was a bit unlucky. I think the nine furlongs at a track like Newmarket would suit him.

Tuesday's race previews:

1.50 Newmarket: 'we hope there's a big handicap in him before stepping up to bigger things'

2.25 Newmarket: will New Science get powerful Classic generation off to perfect start?

3.35 Newmarket: Hello You and Cachet clash again as 1,000 Guineas claims are put on the line

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