Another G3 winner for Mastercraftsman

The Roger Varian-trained Kingston Hill (2c Mastercraftsman-Audacieuse, by Rainbow Quest) could be another Classic contender for Mastercraftsman after running out an impressive G3 winner at Newmarket on Saturday.

The colt, who had won a Newbury maiden on his only previous start, stepped up on that display when cruising to the lead in the G3 Autumn Stakes and putting the mile event to bed with a decisive turn of foot to score by two lengths.

"You are never sure if they can make the jump from a maiden into a Group race,” said Varian. “But he won very impressively and the ground was softer at Newbury than it was here. A good many horses will be better on better ground but this was highly promising.

"We have not got to the bottom of him. He has a very laidback approach at home and while we think he will be competing at a mile, equally he might be better over further. We will have a look at options, but the likelihood is he will be put away for the winter now.

"For a horse who has only had one run, he showed his mettle. He has always looked a nice horse at home. He's not flashy, he's what you'd call hardy."

Jockey Andrea Atzeni added: "It rode like a good race. He is a big horse and will come on a lot for the race. He is a lovely horse to have for next season, but he saves something, which is a very good sign."

Kingston Hill, who was bred by Ridgecourt Stud, continued a fantastic first-season for Mastercraftsman, who also has a leading G1 1,000 Guineas contender in G3 Prestige Stakes heroine Amazing Maria (2f Mastercraftsman-Messias Da Silva, by Tale Of The Cat).