Top colts set for International clash

Mastercraftsman is reported to be on course for the Juddmonte International Stakes at York and a possible clash with Sea The Stars.

The Aidan O'Brien-trained colt and John Oxx's dual Classic-winning hero were among 19 horses left in the £600,000 Group One contest on August 18 at the latest acceptance stage.

Mastercraftsman, winner of the Irish 2000 Guineas and the St James's Palace Stakes, is being prepared for his first run beyond a mile.

'The plan is to run Mastercraftsman in the Juddmonte International and it is so far, so good - we are happy with him,' said O'Brien.

'He won at Ascot and then we gave him a little break but he is back in full work now. He is stepping up to a mile and a quarter and we always thought it would be within his range, looking at him,' the Ballydoyle trainer went on.

'But he won a Group One (Phoenix Stakes) at the Curragh over six furlongs as a two-year-old by four and a half lengths. That is the furthest he has ever won by, so we will have to wait and see. You are never sure.'

Duke Of Marmalade bagged the International last term while O'Brien was also on the mark with multiple Group One winner Giant's Causeway in 2000.

The latter demonstrated admirable battling qualities in holding Kalanisi by a head in what was a truly memorable finish on the Knavesmire and Mastercraftsman proved very much in the same mould when fighting back at Royal Ascot.

Comparing the pair, O'Brien added: 'Giant's Causeway was a very good two-year-old as this horse was. Mastercraftsman won Group Ones over six and seven furlongs at two, whereas Giant's Causeway won his over seven furlongs at two.

'This horse won the Irish 2000 Guineas and Giant's Causeway was second in it. They both won the St James's Palace Stakes. Giant's Causeway was a great horse and Mastercrafsman is very exciting. We are over the moon with his progress.'

Mastercraftsman heads up a quintet of O'Brien representatives - including Rip Van Winkle - left in the International Stakes, which could also mark the next assignment for last Saturday's York Stakes winner Kirklees.

Ghanaati, the 1000 Guineas and Coronation Stakes heroine, could also line up in the feature race on the opening day of the Ebor Festival.