Group 2 Glory Tops Super Saturday For Mastercraftsman

Technician (3c Mastercraftsman - Arosa, by Sadler’s Wells) produced a career-best performance to capture the Group 2 Prix Chaudenay at Longchamp on Arc weekend.

Previously a dual Stakes winner, the Martyn Meade-trained grey was stepping up to a mile and seven furlongs for the first time and was given a hold-up ride by Pierre-Charles Boudot. He made headway from over three furlongs out and chased down the clear leader Moonlight Spirit as they approached the final furlong, gaining the advantage 100 yards from the line. The winning margin was three parts of a length.

The Prix Royal Oak is next on Technician’s agenda according to assistant trainer Freddie Meade. Owned by Team Valor, the winner was bred by Barronstown Stud out of Arosa, a Stakes winning own-sister to Group winners Crimson Tide (Sadler’s Wells) and Tamarind (Sadler’s Wells).

Mastercraftsman’s successful Saturday continued when Specialise (3f Mastercraftsman - My Special J’s, by Harlan’s Holiday) took the valuable British EBF Premier Fillies’ Handicap over a mile and a half at Newmarket.

Speaking after the race, owner Saif Ali’s racing manager Bruce Raymond said, “Specialise has been a bit unlucky in the past and she deserved that. She liked the ground and may well get further. I think she might be a nice filly next year.”

Trained by Roger Varian, Specialise was bred by Newsells Park Stud out of Group 2 Debutante Stakes winner My Special J’s.