Australian Derby Hopeful for Mastercraftsman

Bart and James Cummings are thinking Group I ATC Australian Derby for talented prospect Nazir (3g Mastercraftsman x Visique, by Quest for Fame), who broke his maiden over 1900 metres at Rosehill on Wednesday.

Nazir proved too strong at his third start, forging clear as favourite to win by a length.

“He just keeps improving every time he goes around,” James Cummings said. "Look at him today, did a little bit wrong on the turn but then knuckled down strongly and fought hard when challenged.

"The most important thing is to give him a run at 2400-metres before the Derby.

"That will give him a better grounding when he comes up against horses that have had more racing.

"The foundation and work is all there.”

New Zealand bred Nazir was bought by DGR Throughbreds at the Inglis Ready 2 Race Sale from the Lyndhurst Farm draft and is a half-brother to Group I ATC Vinery Stud Stakes and Flight Stakes winner Norzita as well as Kiwi stakes-winner Hollows being the fourth winner from well-bred Quest for Fame (GB) mare Visique.

Nazir is by a young sire in Mastercraftsman who has already proven his ‘classic’ stripes having sired French Derby winner The Grey Gatsby and English St Leger winner Kingston Hill from his first crop in the Northern Hemisphere.