Genius move: Stronach Stables buys Einstein

Einstein, Brazilian-bred son of Derby winner and multiple champion Spend a Buck and himself a multiple Grade 1 stakes winner, has been sold by Midnight Cry Stable to Stronach Stables for an undisclosed sum.

And I suppose that's good for the horse.

A horse for any course, Einstein is a multiple Grade 1 winner on turf at distances ranging from 8 1/2 furlongs to 11 1/2, and won this year's Santa Anita H.-G1 on synthetic. A G2 winner on dirt in Churchill's Clark Handicap, he's also been Grade 1-placed twice at Churchill in the 2008 and 2009 renewals of the Stephen Foster.

No doubt, the horse is a rugged, versatile competitor with stamina, something Stronach's people have said is sought by their breeding program.

"Mr. Stronach's breeding program focuses on soundness and on powerful outcrosses," said Eric J. Hamelback, general manager of Stronach-owned Adena Springs farm near Paris, Ky.

Einstein certainly fits the bill. And for the horse's sake, Frank Stronach's racing and breeding interests have been successful. Not so much Stronach's management of racetracks via Magna Entertainment Corp. If that sort of business history were to seep over into the racing and breeding side of Stronach's interests, Einstein might eventually be destined for receivership instead of stud duty.

Despite Stronach's checkered business success, his ownership of Einstein is a step up for the horse. Midnight Cry's owners, William Gallion and Shirley Cunningham Jr., were found guilty last month of bilking millions from clients in the fen-phen pharmaceutical settlement. The men were ordered to pay more than $127 million in restitution and both will spend time in prison.

Also lucky for Einstein, he'll stay with trainer Helen Pitts, who has shown she knows how to handle the horse. (She's also a trainer for whom the NTRA needs to get on the stick and write an appropriate bio!)

So, good luck to a great horse and his new owner in Sunday's Pacific Classic and beyond.