SAOIRSE ABU's 25 to 1 shock defeat of Henrythenavigator last year interrupted Aidan O'Brien's dominance of the Independent Waterford Wedgwood Phoenix Stakes but Mastercraftsman can get things back on track for the champion trainer at the Curragh tomorrow.
O'Brien has won eight of the last 10 runnings of Europe's opening Group One of the year for juveniles and included on the roll-of-honour are luminaries such as George Washington (2005) and Johannesburg (2001.) To join them Mastercraftsman will have to overcome the unbeaten raider Art Connoisseur who is attempting to become the first British winner since Mark Johnston's Princely Heir in 1997.
Michael Bell's colt was a hugely impressive winner of the Coventry at Royal Ascot when settling the race quickly with an eye-catching change of pace from the rear of the field. At the line he had two and a half lengths in hand of Jim Bolger's Intense Focus and that was enough to make him an ante-post favourite for next year's Guineas.
Art Connoisseur lost that position on Thursday evening with Rip Van Winkle's impressive Tyros display and now another O'Brien- trained two year-old can take a much deeper cut at his reputation.
Mastercraftsman had only a short head in hand of Alhaban in the Railway Stakes with Intense Focus a neck further back in third.
Strictly speaking that means he has something to find with Art Connoisseur but his appearance alone tomorrow looks significant.
O'Brien indicated a step up in trip was likely after the Railway but said this week: "He probably wouldn't mind seven furlongs but he should have the speed for this six."
The best Ballydoyle juveniles usually improve significantly for their racing and Mastercraftsman's current 20 to 1 odds for next year's 2,000 Guineas could come tumbling down with another step up in performance.
Alhaban is back for another try and represents Kevin Prendergast and Declan McDonogh in preference to Shimah who has been taken out due to fast ground conditions. The colt showed a fine attitude in the Railway and it would be dangerous to underestimate him. But Mastercraftsman can keep his unbeaten record.
Connie Mac ran a blinder for a 25 to 1 shot when third in the Queen Mary at Royal Ascot and might have lasted out to win on a less stiff track.
She can lose her maiden tag in the Listed Curragh Stakes while last year's Queen Mary winner can reverse last weekend's form with Dimenticata in the Listed Sweet Mimosa Stakes.
Pat Smullen can maintain his chase of Fran Berry at the top of the jockeys championship with a win for Willie Mullins on Tango Foxtrot in the 10-furlong handicap.
