Seek Again Eyes Arlington Million

Juddmonte Farm's talented Seek Again, who in his initial three American starts has finished first, second and third in Grade I races, could be aimed toward the Grade I Arlington Million this summer according to his connections.  The son of champion sprinter Speightstown out of Grade I winner Light Jig won the Hollywood Derby in 2013 before opening his season with a game second to two-time Horse of the Year Wise Dan in the Turf Classic on Derby Day and finishing a solid third in the Manhattan on the Belmont Stakes undercard.

"We'll be looking at the Million for him," said conditioner Bill Mott.  "His race last out (in the Manhattan) wasn't a disgrace. He ran very well.  We're happy with him."

The consistent 4-year-old whose only non-top-4 finish was a fifth in a handicap field of 31 last fall at Newmarket has excelled at middle distances during his brief 10-race career, with arguably his best performance coming at the Million's 10-furlong distance in the Hollywood Derby.  In that race, he bested 2013 Grade I Secretariat Stakes victor Admiral Kitten.  A concrete decision on his next race is pending.

Seek Again's trainer and owner have tasted success in the Million.  Mott has had eight starters since 1987, including winner Paradise Creek in 1994, but has only had one starter since 2001.  Juddmonte Farm, on the other hand, has won the race twice - 2000 with Chester House and 2002 with Beat Hollow - and was also a good second in 2006 with Cacique.

One horse who does not seem to be on his way to Arlington for the Million is Priscilla Vaccarezza's two-time competitor and one-time winner, Little Mike.  Citing licensing issues that prevented a start in the Manhattan, trainer Carlo Vaccarezza has reportedly decided to back off on the son of Spanish Steps and point him to the Breeders' Cup Turf - a race he won in 2012 while under the tutelage of trainer Dale Romans.

A charge from across the pond to keep an eye on for the Million is Contributer.  Owned by American George Bolton and trained by multiple-Breeders' Cup-winning conditioner Ed Dunlop of Snow Fairy and Ouija Board fame, the son of Breeders' Cup Turf (at Arlington) winner High Chaparral slipped under the radar on June 20 at Royal Ascot, posting a smart win in the 10-furlong Listed Wolferton Handicap.  The field that day included Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II's well regarded Bold Sniper and Michael Bell's multiple International Festival of Racing performer Wigmore Hall.  Though he has never had a Festival starter, some of Bolton's quality horses include (owned fully or in partnership) Curlin, The Factor and My Miss Aurelia.