Craftsman flops in Lagardere

Mastercraftsman took a walk in the betting for next year's 2,000 Guineas after finishing a well-beaten fourth behind Naaqoos in the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere (Grand Criterium) at Longchamp.

Aidan O'Brien's hitherto unbeaten juvenile came under pressure from Johnny Murtagh with two furlongs to race and for once the strapping colt could not respond.

His pacemaker Sea Of Marmara could never get to the front as Naaqoos and Desert Phantom disputed throughout, and it was Davy Bonilla's charge who stormed clear in the closing stages for an impressive win.

Trainer Freddie Head was full of praise for the winner, saying: "I think he's a great horse, a real champion because he's a hell of a mover and he's very good in his head, very well balanced.

"He's got everything to be a good horse. He's an extraordinary mover and a very good intelligent horse, very clever.

"That's the first time this year that he's got out of the stalls. He shot out and then Davy was right. Instead of fighting him, he let him lead, they were not going very fast and he won very well the other day on the same course.

"We'll talk with Sheikh Hamdan about which 2,000 Guineas to go for, but he could be the right horse for Newmarket."

O'Brien said Mastercraftsman was possibly feeling the effects of a hard race at the Curragh last time out.

Head's sister Criquette Head-Maarek had earlier landed the Group One Total Prix Marcel Boussac with Proportional.

Stephane Pasquier asked his mount to go after the long-time leader Marquesa a furlong and a half out and she quickened impressively.

David Wachman's Again could never get competitive from her wide draw and it was left to Elusive Wave to chase the winner home.

"I have always had faith in her," said the trainer. "The first time she ran in Deauville I thought she was a very good filly, she was my best and I thought she would win that race.

"She didn't understand what we asked her at Deauville. She was green, then I ran her again and she won very well at Chantilly.

"I asked the Prince if he would let me run her here and I think we did the right thing."