ART CONNOISSEUR has been installed a warm favourite to become the first cross-sea based winner of Sunday's Curragh feature in 11 years, but in order to do so it looks like he will have to overcome the highly rated Mastercraftsman, who has an even longer gap to bridge.
The Aidan O'Brien-trained colt is a son of the top stallion Danehill Dancer, who won the Independent Waterford Wedgwood Stakes at Leopardstown in 1995.
Two years later, Mark Johnston's Princely Heir became the last British-trained winner of Europe's first Group One prize of the season for juveniles, before a remarkable period of dominance was begun by O'Brien that has yielded eight victories.
Mastercraftsman could be the latest to follow in a well-established pattern that O'Brien has used to some effect in the six furlong feature.
Like Holy Roman Emperor (2006), George Washington (2005) and One Cool Cat (2002), Mastercraftsman won the Railway Stakes at headquarters on Irish Derby day, the second of two wins over Sunday's course and distance for the colt.
He figures among O'Brien's four-strong representation among the nine entries left in the Phoenix Stakes at yesterday's five-day stage. The champion trainer had already described Mastercraftsman as a possible runner, but he also has the option of adding to that with Egypt, Gluteus Maximus and Sea Of Marmara.
Also among the nine are the Kevin Prendergast pair of Shimah and Alahaban. The latter ran Mastercraftsman to a short head in the Railway Stakes, but also holds an entry in Sunday's Curragh Stakes over five furlongs.
Before Sunday's two-year-old prize, the Ballydoyle focus will be firmly on the older brigade as Duke Of Marmalade attempts to make his first start at a mile-and-a- half a winning one in Saturday's King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes. The triple Group One winner remains an odds on favourite in most betting, despite uncertainty about his stamina.
Yesterday O'Brien admitted: "We are very happy with him, but it is his first time over the trip so we don't really know what will happen when he enters the final two furlongs. It will be interesting."
Jockey John Murtagh has expressed confidence in Duke Of Marmalade lasting the Ascot mile-and-a-half, and if he does O'Brien has more than enough faith in the horse's class.
"He is a very good horse. Physically, pedigree-wise and his mental attitude are all very good. He is a top horse who is a top professional," he said.
Sunday's other Listed event at the Curragh is the Sweet Mimosa Stakes over six furlongs, which has 18 entries left in. They include last year's Queen Mary winner Elletelle, who could renew rivalry with Dimenticata, who beat her into third in Sunday's Belgrave Stakes at Fairyhouse.
Meanwhile, the Galway authorities have turned on the taps at Ballybrit ahead of next week's summer festival. Watering began yesterday when the going was officially described as good and good to firm in places.
Ruby Walsh will be on board the Paul Nicholls-trained Oslot in Wednesday's William Hill Plate. Oslot, a 7 to 1 favourite with the sponsors, he will be joined in the race by topweight Hoo La Baloo. The third Nicholls entry, Oumeyade, will miss the race after disappointing at Market Rasen over the weekend.
In other news, John Oxx has revealed his Epsom Oaks third Katiyra could be dropped in both trip and class after a relatively disappointing run behind Moonstone in the Irish Oaks this month.
"We will lower our sights with her. It won't be a Group One," he said. "We were a little disappointed the last day, even though it wasn't that far below her Epsom form with Moonstone. She could drop in trip as well for her next start."
CASHMANS BET:7-4 Art Connoisseur; 11-4 Shimah, Bushranger; 7-2 Mastercraftsman; 20 Kamado; 66 Sea Of Marmara, Gluteus Maximus, 100 Egypt.
