Star-Studded Jockey Lineup Takes Center Stage at the Arlington Million and Graded Stakes at Colonial Downs
The stage is set for an electrifying day of horse racing action at Colonial Downs this Saturday, as the prestigious Grade 1 Arlington Million and its traditional companion stakes events have attracted a star-studded lineup of top jockeys, including international titans William Buick and Jamie Spencer.
Both Buick and Spencer have a chance to etch their names in the history books by capturing their second Arlington Million title, which would tie the record for the most wins in the prestigious 1 1/4-mile turf race. Frankie Dettori, John Velazquez, Brian Hernandez Jr., Jose Ortiz, Julien Leparoux, and Javier Castellano will also be in attendance, each boasting an impressive resume of success in the Million, the Beverly D. Stakes (G2), and the Secretariat Stakes (G2).
“When Florent Geroux guided Set Piece to victory in the 2023 Million, he tied the record as only the eighth jockey to win the event twice. This year, it’s Buick and Spencer’s turn to try and join that exclusive club.”
Buick, set to ride Nations Pride, and Spencer, aboard Ancient Rome, will be looking to add their names to the list that includes Jerry Bailey, Laffit Pincay Jr., Irad Ortiz, Cash Asmussen, Gary Stevens, Jose Santos, and Ramon Dominguez.
Velazquez, who has piloted Sistercharlie to two Beverly D. titles in 2018 and 2019, can tie Ryan Moore and Kent Desormeaux for the most wins in that event if he can guide Mission of Joy to victory. The veteran rider will also have mounts on Highland Chief in the Million and Trikari in the Secretariat, the latter of which he won in 2018 with Carrick.
Castellano, who won last year’s Secretariat aboard Gigante, will be looking to defend his title as he reunites with Fev Rover, the morning-line favorite in the race. Brian Hernandez Jr., fresh off his Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks wins, will be aboard the Secretariat favorite Brilliant Berti, while Jose Ortiz has calls in four of Saturday’s seven stakes races, including the morning-line favorite Moira in the Beverly D.
With such a stacked jockey roster, the racing action at Colonial Downs this Saturday promises to be thrilling and unpredictable. Fans and enthusiasts of the sport won’t want to miss the opportunity to witness these elite riders battle it out for glory in the Arlington Million and the supporting graded stakes events.
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