Irish Rookie testing the waters in Just a Game

ELMONT, N.Y. - Owner-trainer Martyn Meade has sent the 4-year-old filly Irish Rookie from England for the Grade 1, $700,000 Just a Game Stakes at Belmont Park on Saturday. If things go well, a return trip in the fall is possible, according to Meade's assistant and son, Freddie.

"There are races for her later in the year here that we might consider," Freddie Meade said.

Meade said part of the reason Irish Rookie was shipped in for the Just a Game is that Tepin, who won the race last year, and Miss Temple City, who returned from a layoff to defeat males in the Maker's 46 Mile at Keeneland, have both been sent to England to race at Royal Ascot and aren't in the race.

Irish Rookie has made her last six starts in Group 1 or Group 2 company in England, Ireland, and France. She finished second, beaten three-quarters of a length, in the French 1000 Guineas last year, and she is still in search of a breakthrough win at the group level.

In her most recent start, on May 21, Irish Rookie finished second of seven over soft turf in the Group 2 Ridgewood Pearl at the Curragh.

"The ground at the Curragh for her last race was too soft," Meade said. "She didn't handle it well. Good to firm ground on Saturday would be great."

Meade said that Irish Rookie has some speed, and he would be pleased if she was mid-pack early in the Just a Game.

"If there's enough pace it would be nice to see her settle behind the leaders," he said.

Irad Ortiz Jr. has the mount.

"She's simple to ride," Meade said.

Irish Rookie is a 4-year-old with an 8-2-2-1 record and $238,141 in earnings.