Craftsman maintains O´Brien´s Railway record Aidan O´Brien maintained his strangle-hold on the Railway Stakes when Mastercraftsman scrapped home in a terrific finish to the Group 2 contest at the Curragh. The Ballydoyle handler claimed the prize for the tenth time when the 8/11f prevailed by the narrowest of margins from front-runner Alhaban. It was a three-way go in the final furlong with eventual third Intense Focus also holding every chance until close home. "He´s tough but is still a baby and is still learning. He won´t mind stepping up in trip and we´ll probably run him over seven furlongs next time," said O´Brien. "He´s a big rangy colt with a great action and better ground would suit him better." William Hill and Sean Graham both gave the winner quotes of 20/1 for next year´s Guineas. Declan McDonogh, rider of second-placed Alhaban, picked up a two-day ban for excessive frequency.
