INGLEWOOD, Calif. - Gary Stevens has very little margin for error when he rides Irish Prize, the veteran turf miler.
"He doesn't like to be in front too early and doesn't like to be in front too long," Stevens said.
Irish Prize, a 6-year-old gelding, does not draw off when he reaches the front but wins by a nose, head, or neck. The style creates added drama for his backers and makes Stevens's job more difficult. On Monday, Stevens's timing will be on display when he rides Irish Prize in the $500,000 Shoemaker Breeders' Cup Mile at Hollywood Park.