Improving Mastercraftsman Filly Gains Stakes Success
Connections expect further improvement from Cabaletta (3f Mastercraftsman - Allegretto, by Galileo) after the Roger Varian-trained filly gained her first Stakes win at Newbury on Sunday.
Having beaten the talented Frankly Darling to win on debut last year, the Cheveley Park Stud homebred finished second in a Listed contest on her seasonal return, before disappointing on soft ground. David Egan took the ride in the Listed Aphrodite Stakes, riding the grey towards the back of the field and began to improve from over two furlongs out. Ridden to deliver a strong challenge approaching the final furlong, she kept on well to win by half a length.
Speaking after the race, Roger Varian said, “We thought Cabaletta would handle the bottomless ground at Haydock but she didn't go on it, so it's great to see her bounce back today. She's a nice filly, make no mistake about that, and her best days are still ahead of her. The Lillie Langtry is two weeks away and, provided we are happy with her, that will be a good option.”
Cabaletta becomes the first Stakes winner out of French Leger heroine Allegretto and a 69th individual Stakes winner by Castlehyde Stud sire Mastercraftsman.