Mastercraftsman’s Apprentice takes G3 Classic Trial

Master Apprentice (3c Mastercraftsman-Lady Hawkfield, by Hawk Wing) shook off some smart rivals to win the G3 Classic Trial at Sandown on Friday to kick his season off in great style. David Probert made the running aboard the son of Mastercraftsman as he held off Cape Clear Island (3c Fastnet Rock-Kushnarenkovo, by Sadler´s Wells) to win by half a length. Trainer Andrew Balding commented: "We ran him in a Group 1 last year, so we thought plenty of him and he's been working nicely. We thought the track would suit him - he ran well here as a two-year-old - so we thought we'd give it a go and David's given him a lovely ride. “He got the run of the race, but he's a solid horse. We'll probably look at Royal Ascot for him now.” Probert was impressed by his mount and added: “That was quite a smart performance. When I really asked him to lengthen and quicken away he answered and put it to bed fairly sharply. The way he's won I'd say he's going to progress.” Bred by Grangemore Stud, Master Apprentice is out of a half-sister to G1 winner Lillie Langtry.