By Ashley Iveson, PA Sport
MASTER ON SHOW AT THE CURRAGH
Mastercraftsman was one of a number of horses from the powerful Aidan O'Brien string to enjoy a workout after racing at the Curragh on Sunday.
The son of Danehill Dancer, winner of four of his five starts as a juvenile, has been all the rage in ante-post lists for the Stan James 2000 Guineas at Newmarket and was ridden by Johnny Murtagh in a seven-furlong spin.
The three-year-old was settled in the middle of a large group of horses and was pushed out to the line to finish fourth in what appeared a workmanlike display. Champagne Stakes winner and Breeders' Cup runner-up Westphalia was just ahead of him in third.
"He (Mastercraftsman) got a little tired but he was entitled to. It was tacky ground and Westphalia was the same too, but at the same time they swung along," said O'Brien, who worked three groups of horses, all carrying level weights.
"Westphalia could be aimed at the French Guineas and could have a trial for that but he is still very much in the Newmarket picture."
Murtagh partnered Criterium de Saint-Cloud fourth Age Of Aquarius in the next group over a mile, where Septimus looked to move pleasingly. But the one to take the eye in that spin was Black Bear Island, who led them home and was cut to first 20-1 and then 16s (from 25s) for the Derby by William Hill. Cashmans also went 16-1 from 25s.
O'Brien said of the full-brother to Derby hero High Chaparral: "You would have to be very impressed with him. They could be a fair bunch of horses."
Irish Derby winner Frozen Fire was another to move in the second lot of horses and O'Brien said: "He might start off over a mile and a quarter at the Curragh."
The highly-regarded Rip Van Winkle finished sixth in the third and final group of horses to work, in a bunch which also featured three-time Ascot Gold Cup winner Yeats.
O'Brien went on: "He (Rip Van Winkle) missed a good bit of time. Johnny said he was very fresh but I'd be happy with that. He got a bad over-reach and missed six weeks but I'd still be happy. We've plenty of time between now and Newmarket.
"Yeats might be a bit more forward at this stage than last year. Septimus could be aimed at the Coronation Cup, and we could start them off at shorter trips this season.
