Transparent Goes For Special Result

Time/Date - 18.21hrs local time/Friday, May 15, 2015
Racecourse/Country - Pimlico/USA
Surface/Distance - Dirt/1m 1f 110y

Transparent returns to Pattern company for one of North America's most historic races, the Grade Three Pimlico Special, at Pimlico, USA, on Friday, May 15.

The Kiaran McLaughlin-trained five-year-old steps up to nine and a half furlongs on dirt following a rallying nose success over a furlong shorter in an allowance optional claimer on the same surface at Keeneland on April 8.

The son of Bernardini finished fourth in the non-graded Florida Sunshine Millions Classic Stakes over nine furlongs at Gulfstream Park on January 17.

Transparent made three appearances last year, headed by a straightforward win in an extended-mile allowance optional claimer at Belmont Park in September.

Julien Leparoux, who partnered Transparent on his latest start, keeps the ride.

Kiaran McLaughlin commented: "This is a tough race but Transparent is doing great.

"I don't think that the step up in trip will be a problem but he enjoyed a clear run on his two most recent wins and I don't think he will get the same from stall two here.

"But he belongs at this level and, if he can repeat his latest start, he has a big chance."

Transparent faces nine opponents headed by 2014 Belmont Stakes runner-up Commissioner, 2014 Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile second Tapiture and last year's third Cat Burglar.

The Pimlico Special has been won by some of America's greatest horses including War Admiral, Seabiscuit, Cigar and Invasor, who scored for Kiaran McLaughlin in 2006.