Waratah Thoroughbreds Owned Stayer on Track for Cup

Tara Madgwick - Saturday March 24

The Waratah Thoroughbreds colours were carried to victory in the Group III ATC Manion Cup at Rosehill on Slipper Day by tough stayer Master of Arts, a $110,000 Inglis Easter purchase from the draft of leading New Zealand nursery Trelawney Stud.

Trained by Darren Weir, the six year-old son of Mastercraftsman (IRE) was third in the Group II SAJC Adelaide Cup last year over 3200 metres and showed with this win he's a contender for the upcoming Sydney Cup.

He fought hard all the way to the line to score a neck win in the 2400 metre staying test with Damian Lane in the saddle.

"Darren had him perfect for the race. He gave him a hurdle trial in between runs which you wouldn't see many trainers do. It obviously switched him on. He was great today," Lane said.

"He's obviously run well in an Adelaide Cup before so hopefully the trip is not a concern (Sydney Cup) but he's definitely in good enough form."

With eight wins from 27 starts and over $600,000 in prizemoney, Master of Arts is a half-brother to Group II winner Antonio Lombardo and is from Carnegie (IRE) mare Petit Verdot, a full sister to Victoria Derby winner Amalfi.

He is one of 46 stakes-winners worldwide for Mastercraftsman, who shuttled to Windsor Park Stud in New Zealand from Coolmore Ireland, where he remains on the roster.

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