Watershed switches to turf for Mac Diarmida

Watershed attempts to follow up an impressive performance as the horse tries turf for the first time in the G2 Mac Diarmida Stakes (17.35hrs local time) over 11 furlongs at Gulfstream Park, USA, on Saturday, March 4.

The Kiaran McLaughlin-trained five-year-old has raced exclusively on dirt and powered to a nine and a half-length victory in an allowance optional claimer over an extended mile at the Florida racecourse on January 29. 

He made four appearances in Pattern company last year, taking third at G3 level in both the nine-furlong Philip H Iselin Stakes at Monmouth Park and the Firebreak Stakes over a mile at Meydan, UAE.

Paco Lopez comes in for the ride on the son of Bernardini, who breaks from stall 10 and faces 11 rivals including G1 Man O’War Stakes winner Wake Forest and dual G3 victor Bigger Picture.

Kiaran McLaughlin commented: “We have been wanting to try Watershed on turf for some time now.

“He has breezed well on the surface and the allowance optional claimer he won last time out was actually due to be run on turf before being switched to the dirt due to rain.

“He has a turf pedigree on his dam’s side and we will see how it goes. It’s a tough ask to move back up to Graded company first time on turf but he has been working nicely.

“I think he will be fine over this trip and it could give him a new lease of life if he runs well.”