Mastercraftsman Colt Scores On Turf Debut

Coltrane (3c Mastercraftsman - Promise Me, by Montjeu) produced a smart performance to win Friday’s mile and a half maiden at Chepstow.

The Andrew Balding-trained colt was sent off favourite following his second and fourth placings on his previous starts on the all-weather. Ridden to track the leaders by Rob Hornby, he was shaken up to lead approaching the two furlong pole and went clear inside the final furlong. The winning margin measured three and a half lengths.

The winning jockey commented after the race, “That was super. Coltrane had learnt a lot from the two experiences he's had. He'll appreciate a bit more cut in the ground as he creeps through into a higher grade. He'll get further as well. He's a big, raw horse who will continue to improve, a typical one of Andrew's [Balding]. On a nice galloping track he'll pitch up into some of those big handicaps and do a nice job for the owners.”

Owned by Mick and Janice Mariscotti, Coltrane is the first foal bred by Rockfield Farm out of Promise Me, herself a half-sister to Stakes performer You’resobeautiful (No Nay Never) and the highly-rated Shevchenko (Rock Of Gibraltar).