Mastery, by Darley stallion Sulamani, could not have made a better impression when making his first start for Godolphin on 9 May, landing the Derby Italiano in Rome.
Settled in fourth place under Frankie Dettori, Mastery mounted his challenge with two furlongs left to run and overtaking eventual third placed Jakkalberry (who unfortunately hit the rail in the closing stages), ran on superbly to win the 11-furlong contest by a length and a half.
A winner at two when trained by Mark Johnston, Mastery finished fourth in the valuable Kentucky Derby Challenge Stakes before relocating to Godolphin. Trainer Saeed bin Suroor indicated after the race that a tilt at the Epsom Derby could be next on the cards for the three-year-old.
Bred by Darley, Mastery is out of the winning Diesis mare Moyesii who is also dam of Kirklees (Jade Robbery) who landed the G1 Premio Gran Criterium as a juvenile, also for Godolphin.
Sulamani, who currently stands at Haras du Logis in France, was an outstanding racehorse who recorded no fewer than six victories at the highest level including the French Derby and the Dubai Sheema Classic. He is also sire of promising colt Quai d’Orsay and a further eight winners.
Also on Saturday, a colt from the first crop of Dubawi topped the Arqana breeze up sale when selling for €280,000. Consigned by Mocklershill, he is the second foal out of the Sadler's Wells mare Lady Bex, a full sister to Stakes winners Ballarat and Hijaz and a half-sister to G2 winner Crimson Quest.
