Newcastle Cup Winner for Mastercraftsman

A new addition to the powerful Chris Waller stable, Sacred Master (5g Mastercraftsman x Trickle by Storm Creek) confirmed his staying potential with a strong finishing win in the Group III Newcastle Gold Cup on Friday.

Formerly prepared in New Zealand by Tony Pike, Sacred Master won the Group II Avondale Cup earlier this year and has clearly brought his best form to Australia.

Sacred Master won the 2200 metre staying test by half a length and has now won seven of 17 starts earning in excess of $320,000. "I was aided by a really nice run in transit and he relaxed so well,” said winning rider Hugh Bowman. "He delivered when it mattered. It will be interesting to see where he goes.” The Group I ATC Metropolitan Handicap (2400m) at Randwick on October 1 is a likely next target for Sacred Master and entries for the race close on Monday. By Mastercraftsman, who shuttled successfully to Windsor Park in New Zealand, Sacred Master was a $65,000 NZB Ready to Run purchase from the Diamond Lodge draft and is from minor winner Trickle, a full sister to Group I winner Eileen Dubh.