Craftsman (purple) comes to lead in the opener© Photo Healy Racing
Craftsman was backed like defeat was out of the question in the opener at Listowel and got the job done under Joseph O'Brien.
The son of Mastercraftsman opened 8/13 on course but was punted into 2/5 for the seven-furlong Listowel Arms Median Auction Maiden.
The Ballydoyle colt tracked the leaders before taking closer order entering the straight as Upper Silesian tackled front-runner Screenshot
The hotpot was ridden to lead just inside the final furlong and kept on well in the closing stages for a two-length success.
The Panhandler who had attracted support at fancy prices this morning (40/1 into 16/1), got up close home to nab Upper Silesian for the runner-up spot.
Craftsman had just lost out by half a length on his debut at Gowran Park earlier in the month.
“He's a grand horse and he had a nice run first time out. He shows plenty of pace so the trip was no problem. He handles an ease but that was very testing,” said the winning rider afterwards.
(Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes)
