O'Brien sends four horses to compete in International Turf Festival

Trainer Aidan O’Brien sent four of his charges to Arlington International Racecourse to compete in the International Festival of Racing on Aug. 13. Arriving midday on Aug. 9, the quartet cleared quarantine and were able to go on track two days later. The group moved through the paddock just before 7:45 a.m. on Aug. 12 before taking a jog clockwise around the main track, then turned around and put in an easy canter for a full loop of the track. They then returned to the gap and walked together back to the quarantine barn, where they will stay for the entirety of their visit to Arlington.

O’Brien will be looking for his third victory in the Grade I Arlington Million with 3-year-old Galileo (IRE) colt Deauville (IRE). He has won in previous years with Powerscourt (GB) (2005) and Cape Blanco (IRE) (2011). Drawn outside in the field of 13, the Grade I Belmont Derby winner will be piloted by Seamie Heffernan.

The Irish trainer will send out Long Island Sound in the Grade I Secretariat Stakes from post eight in the field of nine. Heffernan will also take the mount on the 3-year-old son of War Front who finished sixth in the Belmont Derby, beaten 2¼ lengths in the July 9 race. O’Brien leads all trainers with number of wins in the Secretariat, having earned four with Ciro (2000), Treasure Beach (GB) (2011), Adelaide (IRE) (2014), and Highland Reel (IRE) (2015).

Trying for his first win in the Grade I Beverly D., O’Brien will send out two 3-year-old fillies by Galileo in Ballydoyle (IRE) and Coolmore (IRE). Breaking from the rail, Group I Prix Marcel Boussac winner Ballydoyle will be ridden by Heffernan. Colm O’Donoghue will guide Group III winner Coolmore from gate six in the field of 14.

FAUFILER ARRIVES FOR BEVERLY D.; MESSI TO SCRATCH FROM ST. LEGER
 

Graham Motion’s Grade I Beverly D. contender Faufiler (IRE) made the trip to Arlington International Racecourse on Aug. 11 and was able to stretch her legs on track the morning of Aug. 12. Flaxman Holdings’ Grade III Modesty Handicap winner is being stabled in the barn of Mike Stidham while at Arlington. The 5-year-old daughter of Galileo (IRE) went to the track at 7:45 a.m. for a routine gallop.

“Everything went well,” Motion commented. “She galloped about 1¼ miles this morning, everything went smoothly. We beat the rain. She’ll do the same tomorrow.”

Faufiler will be piloted by Arlington’s leading rider Jose Valdivia, Jr. from post 12. The Beverly D. is a “Win and You’re In” race for the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf. Faufiler is out of Grade I winning mare Six Perfections (FR), who was victorious in the 2003 Breeders’ Cup Mile. Motion will be trying to earn his first win in the Beverly D. He finished second in 2006 with multiple graded stakes winner Film Maker.

Motion’s other entrant for the International Festival of Racing on Aug. 13, Gestut Brummerhof’s Grade III winner Messi (GER), will scratch from the American St. Leger in favor of a race at a distance the trainer believes would suit him better.

“I had reservations about the distance, and ultimately decided that I would hold out for a race at a distance that he’s run well at before,” Motion said. “It was just a little bit of a risk for me, not knowing that he really wants to go that far.”

INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF RACING HANDICAPPING SEMINAR TO BE HELD SATURDAY
 

Arlington International Racecourse’s morning-line maker and Churchill Downs racing analyst Joe Kristufek will be hosting a free handicapping seminar for the day’s International Festival of Racing alongside Twinspires.com Director of Communications Ed DeRosa and Alastair Donald of the International Racing Bureau.  The trio will be previewing the Festival races as well as giving their top picks and best longshots to consider.  Free Brisnet.com past performances and tip sheets will be available, and prizes will be given out including wagering credits on Twinspires.com. Fans will have an opportunity to ask questions and give their opinions.

The seminar will be held on Saturday, August 13 at noon CDT in the Starting Gate Theatre on the second level.

Source: Arlington Park