Mastercraftsman Conformation

Adelaide Cup Contender for Mastercraftsman

The Waratah Thoroughbreds colours were carried to victory in the Group III SAJC Lord Reims Stakes at Morphettville on Saturday by progressive stayer Master of Arts (5h Mastercraftsman x Petit Verdot, by Carnegie).

Trained by Darren Weir, the five year-old son of Mastercraftsman (IRE) scored the biggest win of his career when snatching a neck victory in the 2600 metre staying test.

It was Weir’s third straight success in the Lord Reims after wins by Taiyoo in 2015 then Signoff 12 months later.

Winner of the Listed Warrnambool Cup last year, Master of Arts has the overall record of seven wins and five placings from 20 starts with prizemoney topping $460,000 and will be given the opportunity for further success in coming weeks with the Group II SAJC Adelaide Cup looming large on the horizon.

Weir’s stable spokesman Jarrod McLean said it was the ideal Adelaide Cup trial for Master Of Arts.

“He can certainly stay, so that’s really important,” McLean said.

“We’ll see you back here on Monday week.”

A $110,000 Inglis Easter purchase from the draft of leading New Zealand nursery Trelawney Stud, Master of Arts is a half-brother to Group II winner Antonio Lombardo and is from Carnegie mare Petit Verdot, a full sister to Victoria Derby winner Amalfi.

He is one of 35 stakes-winners worldwide for Mastercraftsman, who shuttled to Windsor Park Stud in New Zealand for several seasons.