Ottoman Fleet Leads Godolphin in Wise Dan Stakes

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Trainer Charlie Appleby is set to extend his dominance in America’s premier turf races by entering Ottoman Fleet in the Wise Dan Stakes (G2T) on June 29 at Churchill Downs, an important race on the horse racing schedule. 

This event is crucial for Godolphin’s prospects, coming shortly after Brad Cox prepares First Mission for the $1 million Stephen Foster Stakes (G1). These back-to-back races offer a significant opportunity for Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s team to recover from a disappointing Royal Ascot performance.

At Royal Ascot, Godolphin’s limited representation saw only one win from Saeed bin Suroor’s Wild Tiger in the Royal Hunt Cup handicap. Appleby’s Two Thousand Guineas (G1) winner, Notable Speech, underperformed by off track betting standards, placing seventh in the St James’s Palace Stakes (G1). This lackluster showing underscores Godolphin’s intensified focus on American turf races, which has yielded impressive results thus far.

In recent victories, Master of the Seas won the 2023 Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1T) and the Maker’s Mark Mile Stakes (G1T) at Keeneland in April. Silver Knott secured wins in the Elkhorn Stakes (G2T) and the Man o’ War Stakes (G2T). Legend of Time triumphed in the Pennine Ridge Stakes (G2T) at Aqueduct in May.

Ottoman Fleet Ready to Shine

Ottoman Fleet, a 5-year-old gelding by Sea the Stars, has shown formidable form. He won the Arlington Stakes (G3T) at Churchill Downs after placing second in the Fort Marcy Stakes (G2T) at Aqueduct. 

His 2023 American campaign included a Fort Marcy win and third in the Manhattan Stakes (G1T) at Belmont Park. His 2024 season began with a Dubai victory and continued with a win at Newmarket before returning to the U.S.

Ottoman Fleet’s competition in the Wise Dan includes Chasing the Crown, who finished a close second to him in Arlington. Trained by Mike Maker, this 5-year-old son of Skipshot is still chasing his first stakes win. 

Peter Eurton’s Exaulted, who had a four-race win streak snapped in his last race, also poses a threat. This streak included a victory in the Shoemaker Mile (G1T) at Santa Anita.

Win for the Money, trained by Mark Casse, is another contender. This 5-year-old Mohaymen gelding recently won the Mr. Steele Stakes at Gulfstream Park by an impressive margin. Norm Casse’s Johny’s Fireball, a 6-year-old Tonalist gelding, comes off a win in a Churchill Downs optional claimer. Strong Tide, a 7-year-old trained by Mike Maker, was last seen finishing second in the Louisville Stakes (G3T).

If you’re researching horse racing odds, the complete field for the Wise Dan Stakes is:

1. Ottoman Fleet (Charlie Appleby, William Buick)
2. Chasing the Crown (Mike Maker, Luis Saez)
3. Exaulted (Peter Eurton, Flavien Prat)
4. Win for the Money (Mark Casse, Tyler Gaffalione)
5. Johny’s Fireball (Norm Casse, Julien Leparoux)
6. Strong Tide (Mike Maker, Joel Rosario)