Tamarkuz cruises to victory in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile
The “B” Team turned out to be a very good alternative for trainer Kiaran McLaughlin. With Frosted headed to the big one, the six-year-old Tamarkuz took full advantage of his opportunity in the Las Vegas Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile. Taking over from Gun Runner in mid-stretch, the six-year-old son of Speightstown cruised right on by to an impressive 3 ½-length victory in the million-dollar mile this afternoon at Santa Anita Park.
Sent off as the 11-1 fifth choice in the field of nine, Shadwell Stable’s Tamarkuz was content to watch the action in front of him. Away unhurried from the gate under the all-time winningest jockey in Breeders’ Cup history, Mike Smith, he moved into the first turn near the back of the pack. Seventh of nine early on the backstretch, Tamarkuz started to move up on the outside.
Meanwhile, on the front end, former sprint champion Runhappy set a fast early pace. Tracked by the heavily favored 7-10 shot, Dortmund, the speedster rolled down the backstretch through early splits of :22.45 and :45.37. His early lead would not last for long, though as both Dortmund and Gun Runner moved in from the outside.
While Runhappy quickly succumbed his leading position to Dortmund and Gun Runner, Tamarkuz was moving best of all, not far behind. First Dortmund, and then Gun Runner took over the lead, but as those two had a short battle for the top position, the chestnut with the familiar blue silks was moving in on the lead.
Gun Runner was able to shake the favorite, but soon had no answer for the rallier to his outside. Tamarkuz took over the lead and quickly pulled clear to win going away. Gun Runner held second by a neck over the longshot Accelerate, while Dortmund finished a disappointing fourth.
“This feels great," said the happy winning trainer. "This finally gets the monkey off my back with my first Breeders' Cup winner (since 2007). I'm not really surprised, though. I really thought he had a chance. Mike really rode a great race. When they were turning for home is when I thought we had a real good chance to win. What a feeling.”
Final time for the eight furlongs over the fast main track at Santa Anita was 1:35.72, well of the Dirt Mile record of 1:33.41, set by Albertus Maximus in 2008.
With the victory, Tamarkuz earned his second million-dollar win, having previously accounted for the Godolphin Mile. That nose score, back in March of 2015, was his most recent win. Since coming to America soon after, the Kentucky-bred horse had run up an 0-for-6 mark in the country. He had been showing signs of life recently, though, having finished a solid second in a pair of fast stakes races in New York, the Grade 1 Forego at Saratoga, and the Grade 2 Kelso Handicap last time at Belmont Park.
Tipping off his improving form, Tamarkuz was ready to turn in the best race of his life on the big stage of Breeders’ Cup Weekend. Now 8-for-20 lifetime, he raised his career earnings mark to $1,840,444.
Tamarkuz returned $25.80, $9.40, and $8.00 across the board. The exacta over Gun Runner paid $100.40, while the 8-9-5 trifecta, including Accelerate, was good for $2,135.20 on a $2 bet.
For winning rider, Mike Smith, the going away victory represented his first win in the Dirt Mile, but his record 23rd Breeders’ Cup win overall.
“I had really a good trip," said Smith. "It set up. There was a lot of pace. Tamarkuz has speed himself and right away they opened 2, 3, 4 (lengths), so I knew they were going fast. After that it was just a matter of getting him into a comfortable rhythm and a happy place. When I called on him, he finished like he’s been finishing for me. I really thought he had a good shot today.”