Smoking Sun, Real Solution Await Challengers
With August 16 approaching quickly, the Grade I $1,000,000 Arlington Million is taking shape at a rapid pace. The closer the big day, the more one can now focus the main players – instead of simply hoping for those who have been promenading the precarious line of ‘possible’.
As mentioned in previous editions, the main players from each side of the Atlantic – as far as Million-committed contenders – look to be Kenneth and Sarah Ramsey’s defending champion Real Solution and the Niarchos Family’s continental crusader Smoking Sun. The latter hopes to score in what will be his third Group I try on as many consecutive continents after a fourth in the Prix Ganay in France and a runner-up performance in the Singapore Airlines International Cup in its namesake country.
Added to the fray is Yvonne Jacques’ Grandeur, the morning line favorite in last year’s Million, who was originally thought to have the Listed $400,000 American St. Leger on his plate. After three consecutive losses in America – all three solid efforts with varying excuses – the attractive 5-year-old gray gelding cannot be overlooked if he does point toward the Million. Two things are certain – the price will be better in 2014 and Jeremy Noseda will only enter if he feels he has a significant chance of taking home a large chunk of the purse.
An intriguing possible to keep an eye on is Sheikh Ahmed al Maktoum’s Farraaj. Classy enough to place in the Grade I Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf as a 2-year-old, the son of Dubai Destination has done a commendable job finding a niche in 10-furlong events on turf and synthetic. His last race – though only in a Handicap race at York Racecourse – was very impressive as he won by a clear length and a half while carrying the second-highweight of 137 pounds. In his wake that day was the well regarded Bold Sniper from the Sir Michael Stoute barn and ownership of Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II.
Trained by Roger Varian, Farraaj would be making his third trip to the United States and first since a disastrous performance in last year’s Grade I Pacific Classic at Del Mar, in which he finished 11th of 12. It is worth noting, though, that he is in fine form (with two consecutive victories) and his performance at York came on a left-handed, good-to-firm10.5-furlong course that has played well into the preparation of those looking to transfer form to the Arlington grass course.
Speaking of, the York Stakes at the same trip last week saw a surprise winner in Mohammed Jaber’s Sheikhzayedroad. The son of stellar stallion Dubawi out-gamed Group I-level mare Secret Gesture and Godolphin’s up-and-coming Windhoek, who went off as favorite in the Group II event. While Secret Gesture is currently listed as a possible for the Grade I $750,000 Beverly D. against her own sex, Sheikhzayedroad now thrusts himself squarely into the picture for a possible trip to Chicago. It also does not hurt that trainer David Simcock landed the Beverly D. two years ago with I’m a Dreamer. Million nominees Zabucca and Danadana both ran poorly in the York, with the latter’s well beaten sixth a much more significant surprise as the 4-1 second choice.
The other noteworthy prep of the weekend came in the Group I Grosser Dallmayr-Preis at Munich, which saw a solid runner-up performance from Juddmonte Farm’s Million candidate Noble Mission. Frankel’s little brother showed good pace throughout – something he will need if he comes Stateside – and weathered a wide trip from his outside post on Munich’s oval course, which is very similar to an American turf course. The son of Galileo fought on well under James Doyle for trainer Lady Jane Cecil and lost in good battle to upstart and German classic winner Lucky Lion. Though nothing Noble Mission does will ever stack up to his brother, the talented horse has proven he can run on any ground over multiple distances and could present himself as an excellent stallion prospect for the American branch of Juddmonte Farm if he comes to Chicago and proves victorious.