Soldat strong on turf in his comeback race at Gulfstream Park

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Soldat strong on turf in his comeback race at Gulfstream Park
Harvey A. Clarke’s 4-year-old colt, Soldat, in his juvenile season was tried on dirt to break his maiden, and on both occasions the impressive colt finished second, but when he was introduced to turf at third asking, he relished the opportunity and straight
away won the Grade 3 With Anticipation Stakes at Saratoga’s turf course.
At his juvenile season, Soldat was pushed to stay on turf where he turned in some impressive performances leading up to the Grade 2 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf over at 1 1/16 miles, and after his juvenile season was done, Soldat in three starts at turf was
first once, and finished as a runner up twice.
However, his sophomore season was a different story, as his connections wanted him to run in the Triple Crown, and for that the son of War Front, out of mare Le Relais by Coronado’s Quest, was run on dirt where he grabbed an allowance/optional claimer at
1 1/8 miles at Gulfstream Park on dirt.
He gained his trainer, Kiaran McLaughlin’s confidence when he won the Grade 2 Fountain of Youth Stakes on dirt, but then it all went haywire for the colt as he finished fifth in the Grade 1 Florida Derby and then an unplaced 11th in the Grade
1 Kentucky Derby.
The Kentucky Derby was last year in May, and after some foot problems, Soldat made his comeback on 4 March, 2012, but this time on turf in a $55,100 allowance optional claiming event.
Sent as the 4 to 5 favourite in his comeback race, Soldat was a clear cut winner over Fastest Magician by three lengths, as he covered the 1 1/16 mile distance on turf in 1 minute and 41.18 seconds.
Javier Castellano aboard the 4-year-old colt, Soldat stalked the pace of Live in Joy, as the pace setter made some impressive fractions but weakened in the upper stretch, as Soldat easily took over the runner and posted a magnificent victory.
"I didn’t give Javier any specific instructions," said McLaughlin. "I didn’t know whether he would end up close to the pace or not, but he rode him perfectly and we’re pleased to have him ride."