Gaffalione hopes 1st Arlington Million mount is a winning one
Eight-time Churchill Downs leading rider Tyler Gaffalione has never ridden in the Grade 1, $1 million Arlington Million but hopes his debut in the storied race aboard Godolphin’s Santin brings him to the winner’s circle.
“Santin simply has a lot of talent,” Gaffalione said from his summer base at Saratoga Race Course. “He’s been working well up here and we’re looking for a big performance out of him. Going over the pace in the race, it looks like there will be more speed up front which I think will be beneficial to him.”
On July 30, Santin breezed a solid five furlongs in 1:00.60 on the turf at Saratoga inside his classy stakes-winning stablemate Temple City Terror (five furlongs, 1:00.40). Gaffalione was aboard fellow Brendan Walsh-trained Temple City Terror for the move and rode her to a runner-up finish last weekend in the $250,000 Glens Falls (G2).
Two starts ago, Santin recorded his first Grade 1 score in the $1 million Turf Classic (G1). In his last start, the $750,000 Manhattan (G1), Santin was caught wide on the course and finished a disappointing sixth as the 7-2 second choice.
Santin arrived at Churchill Downs Aug. 4 and galloped about 1 5/8 miles Friday morning. The 4-year-old Distorted Humor colt was made the 3-1 second choice on oddsmaker Mike Battaglia’s morning line.
Saturday’s first post at Churchill Downs is 12:45 p.m. EST. The Arlington Million will go as the Race 11 finale at 6:25 p.m.