The 27th edition of the Ricoh Woodbine Mile (G1) has lured 18 nominations for the September 16 race, a ‘Win and You’re In’ event for the Nov. 4 Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1) at Santa Anita. The Mile is a well-known stepping-stone to the Breeders’ Cup and last year it was won by the brilliant Modern Games who went on to Breeders’ Cup glory.
From the same barn as Modern Games is MASTER OF THE SEAS (Ire), a 5-year-old gelding by Dubawi and one of the highest-rated milers overseas. The Charlie Appleby-trained Godolphin horse comes off a win on July 15 in the Group 2 Summer Mile at Ascot at 5 to 1. In the winter Master of the Seas won the Group 2 Zabeel Mile off a nine-month layoff. In 2021 the gelding was a Group 3 winner and beaten a nose in the Group 1 English 2000 Guineas.
Considering Appleby’s success at Woodbine with Godolphin runners in the last few years it can be expected that Master of the Seas is scheduled to come to the Mile.