into the race on the back of a win in the seven furlong Grade 2 San Vicente Stakes on February 12.

Mastery started as the 4/5 San Felipe favorite and, although he did not break as sharply as some of his rivals, soon took the lead and was never headed. Iliad and Gormley were his closest pursuers throughout the race and were pushed alongside him approaching the final turn. For a moment it looked likely to be a closely fought battle but Gormley faded tamely and, as soon as Smith gave Mastery one tap with his whip, he powered away from Iliad who had no answer.

It was the runner-up Iliad who looked physically challenged in the closing stages, he was changing his lead leg and swishing his tail likeadministration didn't just react to that event — it overreacted. Gun control advocates should observe this history, and proceed with caution.

After the 9/11 attacks, the federal government under President George W. Bush crossed previously uncrossable civil liberties lines. Surveillance of the public was greatly expanded. Terror suspects were held indefinitely without trial. Some Americans found themselves disallowed from boarding planes, with no explanation or effective process of appeal.

The country's framework of individual rights and government restraints was upended, and it still hasn't entirely recovered.

That is why gun control advocates should emphasize civil liberties at every step of the journey. It is the right thing to do, but it is also just good politics — most gun owners would welcome new restrictions aimed at protecting the public. An approach