Lead Not Necessary for The Tin Man

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If there were betting on who will have the early lead in Saturday's Arlington Million (gr. IT), the Richard Mandella-trained The Tin Man, owned by Ralph E. & Aury Todd, would be a prohibitive 1-5 favorite. However, the Hall of Fame conditioner says that his charge is comfortable coming from just off the lead should such a scenario develop.

"He's run well both ways," said Mandella. "There's usually not much speed in long distance grass races, so he has essentially inherited the lead in many of his races. But he has turned into a very kind horse that's easy to manage so Mike Smith will have the option of doing whatever he thinks is best, depending on what the others do early."

Mandella is encouraged by how his gelding is coming up to the race. "He is doing good," said Mandella. "He felt good today during his gallop. Yesterday (Thursday) he was too full of himself, but today he mellowed out. By tomorrow, he'll be as good as he can be. I think he'll like the soft turf he gets here."

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