Arod looks to improve in 2017 edition of Woodbine Mile

Qatar Racing Ltd.’s Arod will look to improve on last year’s fifth in the Ricoh Woodbine Mile when he bursts from the gate for the first time under the tutelage of trainer David Simcock.

The six-year-old Teofilo bay was in the care of Peter Chapple-Hyam when a prominent fifth behind a victorious Tepin in the 2016 Mile.  Arod then spent time in Australia under the care of Chris Waller, managing a pair of seconds in six starts.

Travelling head lad Ian Russell is overseeing Arod’s second visit to Canada.

“I think day two is really good for him. Yesterday he was a little bit keen, but with new surroundings it’s something you’d expect,” said Russell. “Today, he was much more relaxed and got into a really nice stride during his canter work. We’re very happy with him.”

Russell believes the fast ground at Woodbine should suit Arod.

“I walked the straight yesterday afternoon. There’s a great covering of grass, you can tell it’s always well looked after here. With the good weather we’re having, it’s nice there’s a little bit of cushion to it,” said Russell.

Harry Bentley, making his first trip to Canada, will be charged with engineering a stalking trip.

“I think if we can get him to settle and just take the race in his stride, we’ll probably just be patient with him and let everyone else do the work at the front,” said Russell. “Hopefully, with a bit of luck, he’ll pick them off one by one.”