Zoffany Colt Rallies For Maiden Victory

The Ralph Beckett-trained Mascat (2c Zoffany - Critical Acclaim, by Peintre Celebre) displayed talent and determination when taking Thursday’s mile maiden at Newmarket.

The Y Nasib-owned chesnut was sent off favourite following his debut third over seven furlongs last month and was reunited with Harry Bentley to go one better. Tracking the leaders for much of the way, he was ridden to challenge over a furlong out and rallied neck-and-neck with Discovery Island until asserting close home. The winning margin was half a length, with another three lengths and the rest of the field strung out behind them.

Mascat was bred and sold by Coln Valley Stud, making 80,000gns as a yearling when bought by Richard Frisby. He is a half-brother to useful stayer William Of Orange and comes from the family of Observatory.