Botti ponders Arlington Million Day possibilities

Italian trainer Marco Botti could have the opportunity to win his third Grade III American St. Leger at Arlington International Racecourse on Aug. 12 with Dylan Mouth (IRE), who upset the Old Newton Cup at odds of 25-1 on July 8. Following the win, Earle Mack purchased racing rights for Dylan Mouth, who he aims to run in the Melbourne Cup. Botti, now training out of Newmarket, won the 2012 edition of the American St. Leger with Jakkalberry (IRE) who went on to finish third in the Melbourne Cup that year, as well as with Dandino (GB) in 2013.

 

Dylan Mouth is a 6-year-old son of 2007 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner and European Horse of the Year Dylan Thomas (IRE). A three-time Group I winner in Italy, Dylan Mouth’s victory at Haydock Racecourse on July 8 was his first win since capturing the Group II Gran Premio di Milan in May 2016. Botti’s main focus for the horse will be getting him to the Melbourne Cup in November, but a race in the U. S. along the way is still being considered. Mack has sent a runner to Australia three times to contest the two-mile race, finishing as well as fifth in 2011 with Manighar (FR), while Botti has raced four, with Jakkalberry finishing the best of all in 2012.

 

Another Botti runner, Touch Gold Racing’s Fanciful Angel (IRE), could make the trip to America alongside his stable mate with the intention of running in the Grade I Arlington Million. The 5-year-old gelding by Dark Angel (IRE) failed to menance when racing earlier this month at Sandown, but is a two-time winner this season, albeit with only one of those wins coming on the grass and his most recent victory coming over the Polytrack at Chelmsford City at 1¼ miles on May 25.

 

Botti is also considering Snowdrop Stakes winner Aljazzi (GB) for the Grade I Beverly D. The 4-year-old daughter of Shamardal finished a close second last out in the Group II Duke of Cambridge Stakes at Royal Ascot on June 21. Botti has expressed the filly does best with some extra time between races, but the distance could be an issue as her trainer believes she is better suited for a mile.