The Tin Man perfect in 2005

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Arcadia, CA (Sports Network) - Just days before the end of 2005, veteran grass runner The Tin Man made his one and only start of the year.

The seven-year-old gelding captured an allowance race after an absence of more than 14 months.

Last seen on the racetrack in the Clement Hirsch Memorial Turf Championship in October, 2004, The Tin Man caught Captain Squire at the wire to win the $65,000 allowance race. The time for the one mile turf event was 1:34.32.

The Tin Man registered his eighth career win in 22 starts and has earned more than $1.1 million. His last victory was the San Luis Obispo Handicap here in February, 2003.

Last year he started just three races and hit the board with a third place finish in an optional claiming race. In both 2002 and 2003 The Tin Man was fourth in the Breeders' Cup Turf.

In Wednesday's race The Tin Man was ridden by Victor Espinoza for owners Ralph and Aury Todd and trainer Richard Mandella. Finishing second, a head back, was millionaire Captain Squire and Crystal Castle was third. The favorite, We All Love Aleyna, was fourth in the ten horse field.

The Tin Man returned $15.40, $6.20 and $4.60. Captain Squire paid $3.80 and $3.60, and Crystal Castle paid $5.80 for show.