Sunday 20 May 2018 10:08, UK
Charlie Appleby believes Qipco 2000 Guineas third Masar has every chance on pedigree of staying the trip in the Investec Derby.
The Newmarket handler will step the son of New Approach, who won the Epsom Classic himself in 2008, up to a mile and a half for the first time on June 2 in preference to an outing in the Tattersalls Irish 2,000 Guineas at the Curragh next weekend.
Appleby said: "Masar has come out of the Guineas well and as we stand we are leaning towards the Derby.
"On pedigree he should get the trip. He has got a good head for it and you can switch him off in a race, but we've all got the favourite (Saxon Warrior) to beat and we've all got to find some improvement.
"I would not have thought he would have a problem with the trip, as although they are not the same he's handled the undulations at Newmarket well twice."
Plans remain fluid for stablemate Key Victory, with Appleby weighing up options both at home and abroad for the Teofilo colt, who landed a Listed event at Newmarket last time out.
He said: "I'm not sure where he will go. He is doing well and we have got the French Derby or Royal Ascot to consider."
