Arlington Million gaining attention as Little Mike, Treasure Beach and Wigmore Hall make it to the line-up
Arlington Park will be the centre of attention for enthusiasts of horse-racing, for it will be hosting the Grade 1 Arlington Million on 18th August, 2012.
Another reason why this particular race is attracting interest because the winner of the race will earn an automatic berth to the Grade 1, Breeders’ Cup Turf at Santa Anita. The travel allowance worth $10,000 will only be paid if the winner of the
race is based in North America.
In case, the winner of the race is based outside North America, then a travel allowance worth $20,000 would be granted so the winner can make a trip to Santa Anita in November.
Now that entirely aside, the race itself is an exciting event with some of the best runners competing.
The American entries are headed by the Dale Romans trained, Little Mike, who seems to be on top of his game. The five-year-old has claimed 10 victories in 18 starts career starts.
With a Grade 1 victory in the Woodford Reserve already tucked under his belt, he looks to be the one to beat.
Among the international entries, Treasure Beach, the prized charge of trainer Aidan O’Brien seems to be the runner who is on everyone’s mind.
He has not secured a victory in his last six starts, but he might repeat his performance from August, 2011, when he emerged victorious from the Grade 1 Secretariat Stakes and defeated, Cheers Joy, over 1 mile and 2 furlongs.
Wigmore Hall is another one of those great European entries, who has an overall record of 6-4-3 in 25 starts. Trained by Michael Bell for owner, M.B. Hawtin, the five-year-old will be aiming to walk home the winner.
The son of High Chaparral has prior experience at Arlington Park, as he finished second to Paddy O'Prado in the Secretariat Stakes in 2010. The runner also tried his luck in the Grade 1 Arlington Million XXIX in August, 2011, but finished fourth.
The Irish bred runner has been without a victory this whole season but might step it up on familiar track.
Needless to say, it will be one exciting affair.
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