Mastercraftsman secures spot to the Breeders Cup

Aidan O'Brien's Irish 2000 Guineas and St James's Palace Stakes hero Mastercraftsman secured his spot to the Breeders’ Cup in Santa Anita after he landed the Diamond Stakes Group 3 in great style under the guidance of Johnny Murtagh.

Murtagh produced the Danehill Dancer colt to lead from over one furlong out and stayed on well for a comfortable five lengths win over Fiery Lad

Winning trainer O’Brien said afterwards: “We’re delighted with that performance and you‘d have to be impressed with that. There was no pussy footing about there, they went a very strong gallop.”

“Johnny kept very cool as per usual and he knows the horse better than anyone. Johnny also said that when he went after the leaders he probably got there a bit too soon.”

“He’s proved he goes on the surface now. We just have to decide which of the two races to go for at the Breeders Cup next.”