Master of the Seas Dominates Maker’s Mark Mile, Leading Charlie Appleby 1-2 at Keeneland

The six-year-old champion, ridden by William Buick, finished two and a quarter lengths ahead of stablemate Naval Power in his first start since winning the Breeders’ Cup Mile at Santa Anita in November. This marked one of his two Grade 1 victories in 2023. As the son of Dubawi, he also triumphed in the Woodbine Mile last September, as well as in the Group 2 Summer Mile at Ascot and Group 2 Zabeel Mile at Meydan in January. Buick noted the horse’s fresh energy upon entering the track but was pleased to see him settle down in the parade ring, as the horse had exhibited a tendency to be high-strung last year.

Buick, who also rode Master Of The Seas to victory at the Breeders’ Cup and in the Woodbine Mile, described his uncertainty regarding the positioning of front-running Emmanuel ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr. Appleby additionally remarked that having such a strong horse allowed for strategic maneuvers. He expressed satisfaction with the decision made during the race, suggesting that the timing of the maneuver was crucial to the horse’s performance and tendency to require a target to maintain focus. Naval Power, who finished ahead of the Frankie Dettori-ridden Integration by two and a quarter lengths, was competing in his second start of the season after winning the Group 2 Singspiel Stakes at Meydan in February.