NEWS
Einstein upsets Commentator in Clark
Posted: Friday, November 28, 2008 4:41 PM
EINSTEIN
Reed Palmer photo
by Ron Parker
Einstein (Brz) has demonstrated an affinity for turf, but on Friday at Churchill Downs the six-year-old Spend a Buck horse displayed a new dimension as he stormed home on the main track to upset 2-to-5 favorite Commentator in the $440,400 Clark Handicap Presented by Norton Healthcare (G2).
Commentator, who entered the Clark off wins in Whitney (G1) and Massachusetts Handicaps at Saratoga Race Course and Suffolk Downs, respectively, went right to the lead in the Clark, going a half-mile in :48.58 on a track rated as fast.
Jockey Julien Leparoux, aboard Einstein, took up the chase and tracked Commentator down the backstretch while staying within two lengths as the front-unner covered six furlongs in 1:12.64.
Turning for home, Leparoux asked Einstein for more and the horse responded, collaring Commentator and edging away for a 1 1/2-length win in 1:49.79. Commentator faded and finished third.
Delightful Kiss, who had been last for much of the race, closed with a rush to finish second, 2 1/4 lengths clear of Commentator.
“To be able to win a stakes like that means the world to me,but to get a graded stakes on the dirt for him is super,” trainer Helen Pitts said. “When he turned for home, I knew he’d dig deep down inside to find all he could to get there. He’s a very special horse.”
Einstein increased his earnings to $1,634,020 with nine wins from 22 starts. He is out of the Ghadeer mare Gay Charm.
For an Equibase chart, click here.
Ron Parker is a Thoroughbred Times contributing writer
