Mastercraftsman heads European juvenile list

AIDAN O’BRIEN’S Mastercraftsman was rated last year’s top two-year-old in Europe but his mark of 122 was considerably lower than the one achieved by 2007 champion New Approach in the European Thoroughbred Racehorse Rankings.

The previous season’s juveniles were generally regarded as an exceptional bunch, with Jim Bolger’s subsequent Derby winner hitting the heights of 126, just ahead of Fast Company with an unprecedented five horses rated 120 or more - including the brilliant Raven’s Pass.

There are three this time around from a verdict delivered by a collection of handicappers from across the continent who compile the rankings.