Ottoman Fleet Flies Godolphin Banner in Wise Dan Stakes

Godolphin trainer Charlie Appleby continues his relentless assault on America's top turf races as he saddles Ottoman Fleet  for the Wise Dan Stakes (G2T) June 29 at Churchill Downs.

Ottoman Fleet faces five rivals in the turf feature just four races before Brad Cox sends out Godolphin dirt specialist First Mission  in the $1 million Stephen Foster Stakes (G1). Within a matter of three hours, the two could significantly brighten prospects for Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's operation, which comes out of a decidedly subpar performance at Royal Ascot.

Fielding a limited roster, Godolphin was all but shut out at the Royal meeting. Trainer Saeed bin Suroor saddled the only Godolphin winner, Wild Tiger, in the Royal Hunt Cup handicap. Appleby's best hope, Two Thousand Guineas (G1) winner Notable Speech , was a notable disappointment, finishing seventh of eight in the St James's Palace Stakes (G1).

The Ascot showing could be a reflection of Godolphin's and Appleby's commitment to America, which is paying off big time. The team already has a string of successes, with the big-money events yet to come.

Master of the Seas  followed up a victory in the 2023 Breeders' Cup Mile (G1T) by winning the Maker's Mark Mile Stakes (G1T) at Keeneland in April and has three wins and a second from his last four starts, all in American Grade I events.

Silver Knott  captured the Elkhorn Stakes (G2T) April 20 at Keeneland and the Man o' War Stakes (G2T) at Aqueduct in May. Legend of Time  prevailed in the Pennine Ridge Stakes (G2T) May 25, also at Aqueduct.

Ottoman Fleet, a 5-year-old Sea the Stars  gelding, continued the onslaught with a victory in the Arlington Stakes (G3T) June 1 at Churchill Downs, following a second behind Master Piece  in the Fort Marcy Stakes (G2T) at Aqueduct a month earlier.

The frequent traveler also spent part of 2023 in America, winning the Fort Marcy, then finishing third in the Manhattan Stakes (G1T), both at Belmont Park. He started the 2024 campaign in Dubai and picked up a victory at Newmarket in England before shipping back across the Atlantic.

The five rivals in the Wise Dan include Chasing the Crown , who sailed home second to Ottoman Fleet in the Arlington, finishing one length adrift. The 5-year-old son of Skipshot , trained by Mike Maker, is still seeking his first stakes win.

Trainer Peter Eurton ships in with Exaulted , who saw a four-race win streak snapped in his last start as he finished second to Du Jour  in the Del Mar Mile (G2T). The streak included the Shoemaker Mile (G1T) May 29 at Santa Anita.

Win for the Money  is in from Florida for trainer Mark Casse. The 5-year-old Mohaymen   gelding comes off a 6 3/4-length victory in the Mr. Steele Stakes on the Gulfstream Park turf.

Kentucky-based Johny's Fireball  represents Norm Casse. The 6-year-old Tonalist   gelding finished third in the Fair Grounds Stakes (G3T) in February and exits a victory in a Churchill Downs optional claimer June 6.

Seven-year-old Strong Tide  was last seen finishing second in the Louisville Stakes (G3T) at 1 1/2 miles May 18.