Reigning Breeders’ Cup Mile Winner and Eclipse Award Finalist Master of The Seas Makes Empire State Debut in Grade 1 Fourstardave at Saratoga
The highly anticipated return of reigning Breeders’ Cup Mile winner and Eclipse Award finalist Master of The Seas will take center stage at Saratoga on Saturday as the 6-year-old gelding headlines the $500,000 Grade 1 Fourstardave Handicap.
Trained by Charlie Appleby for Godolphin, the seasoned miler has been stabled at Saratoga’s Greentree training facility since late spring. After dominating the Woodbine Mile (G1) in September and the Maker’s Mark Mile (G1) at Keeneland in April, Master of The Seas aims to add the prestigious Fourstardave to his already impressive resume.
“We’re very happy with him, and he’s a horse who goes very well fresh,” said Appleby’s assistant Chris Connett. “Ever since he won the Maker’s Mark down at Keeneland, this was always the idea to come to the Fourstardave with a fresh horse. He’s been working nicely over the Oklahoma track. He’s just a lovely horse to be around who keeps it pretty simple for us.”
Godolphin will also send the in-form Ottoman Fleet, a five-time graded/group stakes winner, to challenge in the one-mile Fourstardave. The $574,516 purchase has won his last two starts at Churchill Downs, including the Arlington (G3) and Wise Dan (G2).
“He’s a horse the team has always liked who’s been pretty consistent in Dubai and Europe,” Connett said. “This year he’s put together a pair of very nice wins cutting slowly back in trip. Last time Flavien got off him and said, ‘I think he’s getting quicker,’ which is a nice thing to have going into a big race like this.”
Trainer Chad Brown, who is seeking his first Fourstardave victory, will saddle the talented Carl Spackler, a 4-year-old son of Lope de Vega who is 4-for-5 at one mile and 3-for-4 at Saratoga, including a win in the Kelso (G3) on July 13.
“When he’s on his game, he’s a top-level horse, and he seems to be rounding right back into form,” Brown said. “He’s a very solid horse, and I do think he’s got another forward move in him at some point. I hope that’s in this race.”
The Fourstardave, a “Win and You’re In” qualifier for the 2024 Breeders’ Cup Mile, is set as the 10th race on Saratoga’s 12-race card on Saturday.
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