Arlington Million Returns to Colonial Downs this Saturday
The prestigious Grade 1, $1 million Arlington Million will be contested for the second time at Colonial Downs this Saturday. A field of six accomplished older male turf runners has been assembled for the 1 1/4-mile event.
Integration (5-2): Trained by Shug McGaughey, Integration has been perfect in three starts at Colonial Downs, most recently winning the Million Preview by 6 1/2 lengths on a soft turf course. The Kentucky-bred gelding is seeking his fourth straight victory and should relish the added distance.
Ancient Rome (3-1): Returning to the U.S. after successful campaigns in England and France, the Charlie Hills-trained Ancient Rome won the Mint Million (G3) at Kentucky Downs last September. The 5-year-old War Front gelding has proven himself at the top level and could pose a serious threat.
Sugoi (8-1): The Mike Maker-trained 7-year-old gelding has been in career-best form, winning four of his last six starts, including the Louisville Stakes (G3). Although he’s a longshot, Sugoi’s recent performances suggest he could pull off an upset.
Nations Pride (8-5): Trained by Charlie Appleby for Godolphin, Nations Pride has been a force on the global stage, with wins in the Canadian International (G1) and a Group 1 event in Germany. After strong efforts in the Man o’ War (G2) and Manhattan (G1) in New York, the 5-year-old Teofilo horse appears poised to claim the Arlington Million title.
Highland Chief (12-1): The Graham Motion-trained 7-year-old gelding is a past winner of the Man o’ War (G2) at Belmont Park but has struggled to recapture that form, most recently finishing 12th in the Breeders’ Cup Turf.
Talk of the Nation (6-1): Trained by Todd Pletcher, the Quality Road gelding has been knocking on the door in graded stakes company, with a third-place finish in the Kelso (G3) and a runner-up effort in the Poker (G3). However, the added distance of the Arlington Million may prove too much of a challenge.
“With heavy rain expected in the region, the Colonial Downs turf course could play a significant role in the outcome. Nations Pride’s proven ability to handle testing conditions makes him the top choice in this year’s Arlington Million.”
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