Ahern steers Mastership to victory

EDDIE AHERN is rarely short of confidence but even he seemed surprised at the ease with which Clive Brittain’s Mastership (100-30) blitzed his rivals at Lingfield yesterday.

Pre-race talk in the Pontin’s Family Holidays Handicap had all been of 1-2 favourite Si Foo.

And although he managed second, Andrew Balding’s charge had no answer to the winner, who cruised through a furlong out to win by a hard-held three lengths.

“Did he give me a good feel!” remarked Ahern.

It brought the colt’s record to three firsts and three seconds in his last six races and Brittain, currently in Dubai, has mapped out grand plans.

“I think he will come back to Lingfield for the Spring Cup on Winter Derby Day and then go for the Italian 2000 Guineas,” said the trainer.

“He mustn’t hit the front too soon and would have won more times if he was held up later.”