The Brian Meehan-trained 4-year-old colt got the better of a top-rated field of runners to win this joint-richest turf race under Jamie Spencer.
The son of Pleasant Tap had scored a big win when he won the 10-furlong Champion’s Stakes against older horses in Newmarket and yesterday night returned to almost score a similar but popular win against a group of elder stars.
World Cup winning trainer Richard Mandella seemed to be on the right course with his first attempt for a turf win when The Tin Man led the field a long way up to the final two furlongs.
Very special
However, Jamie Spencer asked his star performer to make his move and the chestnut colt proved he was fit despite a long lay-off. Though The Tin man challenged him for a while the British runner came away to win with much to spare.
“This has been such a fantastic night. He went off so well and had a lot to show. He’s very special. I’ll do well to find one as good as him,” said Meehan after the race. “He’s really got good pace and plenty of nerve. I doubt he ever looked in danger,” he added stating that he can now stake claim to being the best middle distance runner.”He’s the top middle distance horse in the world and there’s more to come from him. I think he’s matured over the winter, and he may go to the Prince of Wales Stakes and the Breeders Cup Classic at the end of the year,” said Meehan.
Jockey Spencer was equally generous in his praise for the young star. “He’s such a great horse and hopefully this will not be the last time that he’s winning.
“He’s in fabulous form and after we had turned onto the straight, the race was very much over for the rest of the field.”Last year, he was quite boisterous. But now he’s so relaxed at the start and that means he is conserving energy,” the ace said.