Strand Broke: Tatsu Cruises in Dominating Performance

When Tatsu ($13.10) was able to outrun to the early lead speedy router Don’t Drop a Deuce, the wildcard element in the field in Victoria’s $800,000 G1 Strand Broke stakes on Saturday, the proceedings turned from a horse race to a procession as the turf sprint superstar cruised to another impressive win.

Ridden by D. Evans and breaking from post #4, the six year-old son of Ghostzapper broke in second as the aforementioned ‘Deuce was the most keenly away from the gate.  But Tatsu’s natural speed quickly carried him to the lead, the hard-sent ‘Deuce not able to match strides with him early.  Tatsu sped through an opening quarter of 22 seconds – well within the bounds of his prodigious speed – and opened a three length lead through the opening half mile.  Argyle Star sat in third in the early going and it was he who took up the chase on the far turn.  He began to make slow progress toward the leader as the other pace elements, ‘Deuce and favorite Mr. Coffee commenced their retreat.  Four year-old filly Screamo was flying in the final furlong, and went past all but the winner, Tatsu, who was never threatened.

Tatsu held on by two lengths while being kept to task.  Screamo was second at 9-1; Argyle Star third at the same price.  Tatsu’s laughably generous mutuel payout of $13.10 made this handicapper a very happy man.  The winning speed figure was 114.  The victory – Tatsu’s second repeat Grade I victory of the year (Sand Castle Turf Sprint, Dubai, March) – pushed his career earnings to over $5.25 million.

One would expect Tatsu to attempt another impressive double this July in the G1 Cup of July at Newmarket.