First Southern Hemisphere Stakes-Winner for Mastercraftsman

Exciting young sire Mastercraftsman posted his first Southern Hemisphere bred stakes-winner in New Zealand on Saturday when two year-old colt Jackofall (2c Mastercraftsman x Wizard Princess, by Rory's Jester) scored a strong win in the Listed Murdoch Newell Stakes at Pukekohe Park.

A smart winner last month and then second in the Listed Wellesley Stakes, the Lisa Latta trained Jackofall overcame a wide gate to win the 1200 metre dash by a long head over Way In (2f Thewayyouare x Small Parcels, by Danehill) and will now seek to target the Karaka Million in January.

It’s a race Latta has won before with Fort Lincoln in 2011.

“This horse has a bit more ability than him (Fort Lincoln),” Latta said

“We’ll put him in the paddock for a couple of weeks now and maybe give him one lead-up race.”

Jackofall was a $34,000 NZB Select Yearling Sale purchase from the draft of Blandford Lodge and is the first winner for Wizard Princess, a half-sister by Rory’s Jester to Group I AJC Flight Stakes winner Cheeky Choice.

Mastercraftsman has had a great run in the Northern Hemisphere this year with 28 first crop winners led by Group I winner Kingston Hill, Group III winners Craftsman and Amazing Maria, stakes-winner Pablosky and four other stakes performers.

A multiple Group I winning son of Danehill Dancer, Mastercraftsman is back in New Zealand at present for Windsor Park Stud.