Well folks, as if three gigantic stakes races weren’t enough
for you on Million Day, the powers that be have now added a fourth! Yes, it’s
the American St. Leger run at the very odd distance of a mile and 11/16. Anyone
wishing to contend in this race must have the stamina to last quite a ways. I
mean – wow – this race is longer than the Belmont!! Let’s take a look at some
of the contenders that have been pre-entered for the race!
First I’d like to start off with the Grade 2 Stars and Stripes winner Ioya Bigtime. Chris Block’s barn has been on fire recently and
it all started with this unexpected victory in the graded stake. At 41-1 Ioya
Bigtime grabbed the lead and never looked back while defeating Musketier and
Block’s other entry Suntracer (who won the Illinois Owners Stakes yesterday). He
proved that he could get the longer distance and I know I’ll be pulling for our
local product! To see his victory, CLICK HERE.
(Ioya Bigtime - by Four Footed Fotos)
To my surprise, I couldn’t believe that Helicopter is pre-entered
in this race! The horse loves Arlington and loves the extra running room too. He’s
been a local warrior and champion for quite some time and I look forward to taking
some photos of him in the paddock.
A couple of horses that are familiar with going long
distances are scheduled to be shipping in from Europe, one of which is
John
Gosden-trained
Zuider Zee who has recently run in races of distances of 1 ½ miles,
1 ¾ miles, 1 7/16 miles, and even some races over 2 miles! A horse with similar
experience at longer distances is nine-time turf winner
Jakkalberry. Jakkalberry
had three impressive wins last year at the odd distances of 1 5/16 and 1 7/16
miles. We are aware of the recent European dominance in American turf races and
I’m sure they will have a great shot in the American St. Leger.
Finally, as the Grade 2 Stars and Stripes was moved on the
calendar to become the prep race for the American St. Leger, the winner of the
2011 version of this race,
Free Fighter, is also pre-entered into this contest.
He has struggled so far in 2012, however this may be the race he needs to shake
off the rust and head to the winners circle. To see his victory from last year,
CLICK HERE.
(Free Fighter - by Four Footed Fotos)
I’m not entirely sure what to expect from this new race, but
I’m excited to be a part of the maiden voyage!
Well we’re getting even closer to the big day now. I’m also
excited to say that
WGN-TV will be carrying the Arlington Million over the
airwaves and cables again this year! The coverage will begin at 5:00 PM central
time and will include the Secretariat Stakes and the Beverly D. If you can’t be
there in person, be sure to catch it on TV!
In other Horse Racing Nation News...