Masseto could be Ascot-bound after winning debut

Masseto (4/1, from as big as 14s this morning) won the opening Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden in the hands of Gavin Ryan.

Waited with towards the rear early on, the Justin Carthy-owned newcomer quickened up well towards the outer to get into contention racing to the final furlong.

The always prominent Celtic Times (8/1) and the eventual winner raced clear of their rivals on the climb to the line with Masseto, despite running green, edging ahead close home to score by half a length.

There was trouble in running for a few horses towards the rail including Butterfly Island (14/1) who ran on for third and the 13/8 favourite Amalfi Coast who finished fifth.

By Prix Jean Prat winner and 2,000 Guineas runner-up Territories, the winner is out of a 7f winner who’s out of a 1m2f winner by Shirley Heights, so he should be well able to stay further. He cost 65,000 guineas at Tattersalls UK last October.

Winning trainer Donnacha O'Brien said: “He was very good I thought because he was very green. He broke slow and travelled in snatches.

“When he quickened up it looked like he passed half the field in half a furlong and then he looked like he idled when he got there. He's obviously got plenty of talent.

“Looking at that you'd have to hope he's an Ascot two-year-old. On paper it looked like a good race, I know Dad liked his (Amalfi Coast) and Joseph liked his (fourth home Andreas Vesalius . There were plenty of other nice pedigrees in there.

“I suppose you'd have to look towards the Coventry. He was very green, we'll see how he comes out of it then have a look and see what suits him. I don't think it would be any harm if there was another race before hand.

Quotes from Gary Carson