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 Thursday, May 12, 2005

  YORK, 3.35, Mdn, 13,840, 2yo, 6 fT, 1:16.85, sf

  Marcus Andronicus, C, 2, by Danehill

1st Dam: Fiji (GB) (Ch. Turf Mare, MGISW, $894,129), by Rainbow Quest

2nd Dam: Island Jamboree, by Explodent

3rd Dam: Careless Virgin, by Wing Out

Trainer Aidan O’Brien failed to get decent ground in Ireland for Marcus Andronicus’s debut and the regally bred colt faced a collection of well-regarded juveniles here. Breaking slowly, he was not rushed in rear early and made up lost ground easily under a considerate ride from Kieren Fallon. Quickening to pass Hill of Howth (Ire) (Danehill Dancer {Ire}) with 250 yards remaining, the 5-2 pick needed only to be kept up to his work to beat that rival by a comfortable 1 1/2-length margin. "He’s a nice colt for the future and something to look forward to," his trainer said. "Kieren gave him a lovely education and he’s a definite possible for the Royal Ascot meeting." A $1.5-million KEESEP acquisition, the bay is out of the U.S. champion grass mare Fiji (GB), who was knocked down to Brushwood Stable for $3.1 million at Keeneland November in 2002.

O: Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith & Susan Magnier | B: Brushwood Stable | T: Aidan O'Brien