Horse Talk with Simon Jackson:

Top horse-racing tips and the latest news.

CHARLIE Appleby has a strong hand in the QIPCO 2000 Guineas at Newmarket on Saturday where he is represented by Master Of The Seas and One Ruler.

Master Of The Seas impressed with the manner of his three quarters of a length victory over stablemate La Barrosa in the Craven Stakes at Newmarket on April 15.

Ridden by William Buick, Master Of The Seas quickened well in the closing stages to secure victory this key pointer for the first Classic race of the season, which is contested over the one mile course and distance of the 2000 Guineas.

Appleby, who secured his first British Classic when winning the Investec Derby with Masar in 2018, said: “I’ll be honest, it wasn’t quite how we planned it as the plan was for La Barrosa to pop out and set a nice gallop and maybe come up the middle to give everyone racing room, but it didn’t materialise.

“He ended up just over-racing, but he was a bit fresh as well. I was pleased with how he ran.

“Master Of The Seas was the class act in the race, I was never disappointed with him in Meydan as our eyes were on a European campaign.

“William had to ask him a few questions there, he had to go through the gears going into the dip which is hard for horses, but he’s very well balanced. He picked up well and went through the line strong.

“It was very pleasing by the pair of them. The hood helped Master Of The Seas settle and we’ll probably keep it on for the Guineas.

“I’ve been very pleased with One Ruler’s prep as well so it’s a nice position to be in to have two or three nice chances for the Guineas,” Appleby told Racing TV.

One Ruler has reportedly impressed Newmarket trackwork watchers in recent weeks.

Speaking of One Ruler in a separate interview Appleby said: “I couldn’t be happier with what I’ve seen over the last six weeks or so. He has stepped up his work and he has answered every question that we have put to him so far.”

Horse Talk with Simon Jackson. Showcasing horse racing in London and the south east.