Breeders' Cup Turf the goal for Robert Bruce after Arlington Million

Convento Viejo’s bloodstock advisor Luigi D’Alessandri believes that there is a lot of potential for growth on a worldwide scale for the Chilean breeding and racing industry. Such beliefs were solidified following a victory with Robert Bruce (CHI) in the Grade I Arlington Million on Saturday, the first ever by a Chilean-bred horse in the Chicagoland’s marquee race.

Trained by Chad Brown and guided by jockey Irad Ortiz, Jr., the 4-year-old son of Fast Company (ARG) broke sharply out the ten hole and sat at the rear of the field outside of horses. Around the far turn, Ortiz began calling Robert Bruce who angled wide and made a charge down the top of the stretch to edge out stable mate Almanaar (GB).

“This is something special,” D’Alessandri said. “Winning the Arlington Million with a Chilean horse has never happened and the way he won the race was absolutely impressive. We are very happy to come here to Arlington and also we are very happy with Chad and Irad. He was very calm and never loses his mind and that is fantastic. So we are very thrilled to be here with the family of the owners and friends so it’s a special day for us, for the farm in Chile and all the people that are working behind the scenes.”

D’Alessandri did not say where Robert Bruce would race next, but indicated that the Grade I $2,000,000 Breeders’ Cup Turf at Churchill Downs on Nov. 3 would be the likely goal.

“The winner of the [Arlington Million] has a spot in the Breeders Cup,” D’Alessandri said. “Chad will decide the program of the horse and we’ll do what he feels is best for the horse.”

Following the race, Brown stated that Robert Bruce would race once before the Breeder’s Cup Turf, possibly in the Grade I $500,000 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic at Belmont Park on Sept. 29.