Trainer Charlie Appleby has reported that jockey James Doyle, who is deputizing for the sidelined William Buick, will ride last year's returning Derby hero Masar (GB) (New Approach {Ire}) whether the 4-year-old runs in the G1 Prince of Wales's S. or the G2 Hardwicke S. at Royal Ascot, with that decision to be made within the next 48 hours. Should Masar go in the Prince of Wales's, that would mean a new rider would be required for Sea of Class (Ire) (Sea the Stars {Ire}) as Doyle honours his Godolphin retainer.
“Wherever Masar runs James Doyle will ride, whether that is the Prince of Wales's or the Hardwicke,” said Appleby. “James will be riding all the first-choice horses and star performers like Masar, Cross Counter and Blue Point and he is looking forward to the rides on them.”
Doyle will be backed up at the Royal meeting by Kerrin McEvoy, who has ridden many Group 1 winners for Sheikh Mohammed Down Under.
“Kerrin McEvoy will be coming over to pick up the second mounts,” Appleby confirmed. “We are delighted to have him on board, as we have had a good association through the years. Hopefully he will stay over until the July meeting at Newmarket.”
Of the decision on which race to target with Masar, Appleby said, “I will speak to Sheikh Mohammed and we will make what we think is the right call for the horse for his start at Ascot. Dropping back to 10 furlongs [for the Prince of Wales's] doesn't worry me, as I said on Saturday, as he has won the Craven and we were going to come back to 10 furlongs after the Derby, when unfortunately he met with a setback when favourite for the Eclipse. We have just got to make sure we make the right decision for his first start after a long lay-off.”
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