Dubai: Master of the Seas returns in style with Zabeel Mile victory

Master of the Seas returned from a nine-month layoff in fine form, winning the Group 2, $180,000 Zabeel Mile on Friday at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai.

William Buick gave Master of the Seas a good trip in this one-turn turf race, sticking him on the fence in the second flight of runners. Buick and Master of the Seas followed the leader, Modern News, into the homestretch, came inside Modern News with 300 meters to run, took a clear lead and had to work a bit to hold clear runner-up Selir by a half-length.

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Master of the Seas ($3), a 5-year-old homebred gelding by Dubawi out of Firth of Lorne, by Danehill Dancer, is trained by Charlie Appleby for Godolphin. The horse hit a high level as a 2-year-old, and at 3 finished second in the 2000 Guineas. Master of the Seas had an injury layoff following a win in the Earl of Sefton Stakes in April and now will target the Jebel Hatta Stakes and, if all goes well, the Group 1 Dubai Turf on the March 25 Dubai World Cup card.

Selir, a 7-year-old handicapper trained by David O’Meara, had been third of 15 making his Dubai debut Jan. 6 in the Al Fahidi Fort, and he’s one to consider in his next start after an improved performance Friday. Racing from the back of the field under Daniel Tudhope, Selir lacked room when trying to split horses in mid-stretch, losing some momentum, but gathered himself to close steadily on the winner the final 100 meters.

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