OTTOMAN Fleet (111+) made the perfect start to his summer campaign and further enhanced his impressive record on the Rowley Mile which now stands at 1211 - with his sole defeat coming at the hands of Alflaila.

Jockey William Buick took a view of the entire field through the early stages of Tuesday week’s Earl Of Sefton Stakes and was never required to be any more vigorous than encourage his mount with hand riding to cover the final three furlongs in 37.02secs to land the Group 3 contest.

The son of Sea The Stars could be in line for a short break now according to the winning rider, who also expressed the view that the four-year-old is at his best when there is cut in the ground.

The two handicaps which preceded the feature contest were both well run, with the pick of them on the sectionals the seven-furlong event won by Rebel Territory (103+).

Found his niche

Amanda Perrett’s gelding has exclusively raced beyond seven furlongs and on more than one occasion looked a non-stayer, however the five-year-old was strong at the line here so may have found his niche.

A closing sectional of 36.30secs saw the son of Territories home from two race fit rivals in Vafortino (102) and Spirit Of Light (102), who were both also quicker through the closing stages than Ottoman Fleet.

Final Watch (99+) also closed off quickly, stopping the clock at 36.20secs and, given the William Stone-trained five-year-old was making his seasonal debut, he is entitled to improve for the experience and should be noted in upcoming assignments.

The Victoria Cup at Ascot could see the four of them renew their rivalry.

The final word on the Craven Meeting is an assessment of the five-furlong contests which closed the card on Tuesday.

Blue Storm (92) was a comfortable winner of the two-year-old contest, clocking 36.01secs for his closing sectional, although this performance was eclipsed by Dream Composer (102) who was quicker overall and in finishing his race off in 35.38secs.

James Evans’ five-year-old is very effective at the minimum trip and has now won four and finished second twice from eight starts.