Well-Bred Filly Continues Tremendous Run For Mastercraftsman

Nette Rousse (3f Mastercraftsman - Nina Celebre, by Peintre Celebre) made all to justify favouritism in the British EBF Maiden Stakes at Sandown on Saturday.

The Ralph Beckett-trained filly held a lofty reputation as a half-sister to Pakistan Star and finished a fine third on her second start last month. Previously given a hold-up ride, Saturday saw Silvestre de Sousa lead from the break, pushing his mount along from two furlongs out. Driven out, she ran on to score by two and a quarter lengths.

De Sousa was encouraging post-race, commenting, “I spoke to Ralph and he was very confident about Nette Rousse. She enjoyed it in front and did it nicely, but was still a bit green. Perhaps she doesn't want the ground this soft and we might see the best of her on good to soft.”

Owned by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Thani, Nette Rousse was bought by Bertrand Le Metayer as a yearling for €235,000 from breeders Gestut Wittekindshof at Baden Baden. She is out of dual Listed winner Nina Celebre, herself a daughter of Group 1 winner Next Gina.

Nette Rousse continues a fine run for Mastercraftsman, who sired two maiden winners and a Stakes winner on Friday, the latter coming in the shape of Technician. He commands €30,000 at Coolmore Stud this season.