Turf Diary

TURF DIARY

MARCH 7, 2006

by Kellie Reilly

Although we're at a very early stage in the season, and many of the lawn's

leading lights have not yet returned to action, we've already witnessed

memorable performances in three key races. In Florida, a rising star has emerged

in the form of EINSTEIN (Brz) (Spend a Buck). In California, we've admired an

ageless veteran in THE TIN MAN (Affirmed), now eight years old and ready to take

his show on the road to Dubai, and on Saturday, we saw a wild and woolly running

of the Frank E. Kilroe Mile H. (G1).

On the eastern front in Florida, the February 25 Gulfstream Park

Breeders' Cup S. (G1) stands out as a productive race, both for unveiling new

talent and for serving as the launching pad for a couple of established

performers. In only his sixth career start, Einstein dueled for the lead for

much of the 1 7/16-mile contest, and spurting clear into the stretch, showed

tremendous determination to outgame GO DEPUTY (Deputy Minister) by a long neck

at the wire. Einstein has come a long way in a short time for trainer Helen

Pitts, and the sky's the limit for this still developing colt. Although he's

technically a four-year-old, he's physically only three, as he was foaled on

October 23, 2002, in Brazil. If Einstein stays healthy and continues to

progress, we will be hearing a lot more from him. The Todd Pletcher-trained Go

Deputy is another to watch carefully. In his previous start, the lightly raced

six-year-old was an unlucky second in the Mac Diarmida H. (G3) and would

probably have won that day with a less brutal trip. Last year's Secretariat S.

(G1) winner GUN SALUTE (Military) and multiple Grade 3 winner MUSTANFAR

(Unbridled) both used the Gulfstream Park Breeders' Cup as their comeback off a

layoff. Gun Salute finished an encouraging third and Mustanfar fourth, and they

should both move forward off their efforts.

On the western front in California, the January 22 San Marcos S. (G2)

shapes up as a key race. The Tin Man, who had only recently returned from a

14-month layoff to score in an allowance, ran out a one-length winner in the

fantastic time of 1:58 1/5 for about 1 1/4 miles on Santa Anita's firm turf. San

Marcos runner-up MILK IT MICK (GB) (Millkom [GB]) came back to snatch a narrow

victory in the Kilroe Mile, while fourth-placer ATLANDO (Ire) (Hernando [Fr)

went on to take the San Luis Obispo H. (G2) in his next start. This helps boost The Tin Man's credentials as he heads to Nad al Sheba for the Dubai Duty

Free (UAE-G1) on March 25, where he may meet San Marcos third WHILLY (Ire) (Sri

Pekan). We'll have more to say about the Dubai turf races as the big day

approaches.

While it was heartwarming to see Milk It Mick rejuvenated after two winless

seasons in England, the Kilroe result should not be taken at face value. In his

American debut for Bobby Frankel, 7-5 favorite CACIQUE (Ire) (Danehill) was

fanned out ludicrously wide on the far turn, yet still closed well enough for

fourth, beaten only a neck. If there's any justice, this royally bred Juddmonte

colorbearer will be in the winner's circle in short order. Second choice CHARMO

(Fr) (Charnwood Forest [Ire]) wound up sixth, beaten a total of one length in

his stakes bow for Julio Canani. Although he made a move to threaten in

midstretch, he never came off his left lead, unlike his brilliant allowance

victories, in which he changed leads right on cue. I think he may have been

compromised a little bit by the ground. The turf was rated good, not firm, and

the Baldwin S. was actually taken off the grass that day. Charmo may be the type

who needs really firm going to produce his best. Finally, let's give Kilroe

runner-up ARAGORN (Ire) (Giant's Causeway) his due for a smashing effort off a

four-month layoff. The Neil Drysdale-trained four-year-old tracked the wickedly

fast pace and stayed on gamely for the place.