Masen posts his first US blacktype win

The four-year-old son of Kingman, who was already a Listed winner in Europe, won his first US blacktype race yesterday in the Seek Again Stakes at Belmont Park.

Taken from the Thoroughbred Daily News, 23rd May 2022:

Masen, who ended his time in Ireland with trainer Ger Lyons with a pair of wins at Leopardstown last autumn, opened his stateside campaign with a bang-up second - beaten just a nose on the line by Shirl's Speight - in the Gr.1 Makers Mark Mile in April.

Facing just two rivals at Belmont, the heavy favourite was taken in hand and tracked pacesetting Wolfie's Dynaghost through the early fractions. He inhaled
the leader midway on the turn while still well-held and kicked clear to an easy victory.

"I know it came down to a three-horse field, but I was really happy to see him get a 'W' under his belt," said winning trainer Chad Brown.

"It was a tough loss last time when he got beat by a really good horse over in the Maker's Mark Mile. It was his first time racing in the country and he got nailed. I wanted to give him a confidence booster and it worked out perfect. Manny [Franco] filled in for Flavien [Prat] and did a fabulous job first time sitting on that horse to get him to settle. He did everything I wanted him to do and it's time to move forward now and run in a higher-level race again."

Brown continued: "He came into my barn in outstanding shape and I want to point out that Juddmonte and former trainer Ger Lyons had the horse and did a good job of developing him and sending him over very sound and in terrific shape. I'm very appreciative and they took very good care of him."

Continental Drift, a daughter of champion Intercontinental and from the family of Champs Elysees, Banks Hill and Dansili, produced a full sister to Masen
last year.