Charlie Appleby’s excellent start to the three-day Craven meeting continued as Ottoman Fleet quickened up nicely to land the Earl Of Sefton Stakes.

Charlie Appleby's excellent start to the three-day Craven meeting continued as Ottoman Fleet quickened up nicely to land the Earl Of Sefton Stakes.

Reach For The Moon looked to be set alight in first-time blinkers as the early pace was strong but William Buick always oozed confidence on the 13/8 favourite. The well-touted Simon and Ed Crisford Poker Face travelled sweetly but William Buick always looked to have the move covered as the pair quickened clear inside the furlong pole. The well-bred son of Sea The Stars, who was proven over further having won the James Seymour Stakes (L) over 10f here last October was pushed out under hands and heels to score by a cosy two lengths.

"He likes following, he travels and likes to get his toe in," William Buick told ITV Racing. "He ran well in his three starts in Dubai and things just didn't really run to suit him. Once he came back here and got the ground, he's at his best. The race suited him so hopefully it's onwards and upwards for him for the rest of the season."