Oaks Next for Mastercraftsman Filly

Progressive filly Mime (3f Mastercraftsman x Maidjeu, by Montjeu) added another stakes victory to her tally when taking out the Group III McKee Family Sunline Vase at Ellerslie in New Zealand on Saturday.

Mime did it the hard way to claim the Group II Sir Tristram Fillies’ Classic at her previous appearance after racing three wide without cover, but this time she enjoyed a much softer run from an inside barrier.

The grey raced in third spot and one off the fence before rider Michael Coleman pulled out to improve across the top.

“We had a lovely trip and she relaxed nicely,” he said. “I got out a bit early when the one I was following wasn’t going anywhere and my horse cruised into it and won well.”

Trained by Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman, Mime is out of a mare by the noted staying influence Montjeu and Coleman is confident she will handle the 2400 metre trip of the Group I New Zealand Oaks on March 19.

“She’s been really consistent at all distances and she ran 2100 metres out very well today,” he said.

Mime has four wins and five seconds from 10 starts and is the best of three winners from unraced Montjeu mare Maidjeu, who comes from the family of world champion sprinter and HK Horse of the Year, Sacred Kingdom.