Longshot Spirit One wins Arlington Million
August 10th 2008 01:33
French colt Spirit One captured the Arlington Million today with a brilliant front- running performance that also gained (as additional prize) automatic entry into the Breeders' Cup Turf. In fact it was a 1-2-3 finish for the European horses in the seven horse field.
(photo: AP Charles Rex Arbogast)
Starting as one of the outsiders, Spirit One was urged to the lead by jockey Ioritz Mendizabal soon after the start with the favoured runners of Archipenko and Mount Nelson happy to bide their time and stalk the speed. When it appeared likely that the French horse would be caught in the straight he found plenty of resolve and stamina and held out the more fancied closers. The skill of Johnny Murtagh evident again as he held on the rails (what he thought to be his main danger) Archipenko, who got clear running too late for victory. His jockey Johnny Shea was bitterly disappointed:
"He should've won, no doubt about it," said Shea.
The plan by Mendizabal had been to stalk Sudan, but when Sudan was scratched with a tendon injury it took this option away. Plan B was to fill the void and make the pace and running instead. It was a winning plan. This was the first ride in the US for Ioritz Mendizabal.
Spirit One has now brought his career earnings to $US1.1 million. Leading into this prestigious races Spirit One finished 2nd at Longchamp in the La Coupe Stakes on June 14th. His last win had been the Prix Exbury at Saint-Cloud on March 15.
Top US fancy Einstein was considered the unlucky runner by jockey Robby Albarado. His bad stumble at the start enough to make the difference (in his opinion), having him out the back and still looking a winning chance when he moved into the race on turning.
So it was no Group One win number eighteen this season for Aidan O'Brien with Mount Nelson. Sometimes the closer you get to history, the further away (and more difficult to claim) the prize can seem. The weight of expectation. This all too evident with Roger Federer who appeared certain only 12 months ago to catch and pass the Grand Slam winning total of Pete Sampras. Federer was winning Wimbledon every year - and often winning the other majors (Australian and US) in addition - although the French Open was the domain of Rafael Nadal. But this year - unless Federer can win the US Open - not a single Grand Slam. And Nadal is improved and resurgent. And the clock ticks. Time runs out. The last few wins to gain a record the most difficult to achieve.
There is still plenty of time, and ample (numerous) opportunities for Aidan O'Brien. But he has been successful in the closest of finishes when a centimetre would have taken away several Group One prizes. Aidan O'Brien still should achieve the record number of Group One winners in a season, but it also will require a degree of luck.
Click here for a replay of the Arlington Million 2008
celebrations for Spirit One winning Arlington Million
(photo: AP Charles Rex Arbogast)
Starting as one of the outsiders, Spirit One was urged to the lead by jockey Ioritz Mendizabal soon after the start with the favoured runners of Archipenko and Mount Nelson happy to bide their time and stalk the speed. When it appeared likely that the French horse would be caught in the straight he found plenty of resolve and stamina and held out the more fancied closers. The skill of Johnny Murtagh evident again as he held on the rails (what he thought to be his main danger) Archipenko, who got clear running too late for victory. His jockey Johnny Shea was bitterly disappointed:
"He should've won, no doubt about it," said Shea.
The plan by Mendizabal had been to stalk Sudan, but when Sudan was scratched with a tendon injury it took this option away. Plan B was to fill the void and make the pace and running instead. It was a winning plan. This was the first ride in the US for Ioritz Mendizabal.
Spirit One has now brought his career earnings to $US1.1 million. Leading into this prestigious races Spirit One finished 2nd at Longchamp in the La Coupe Stakes on June 14th. His last win had been the Prix Exbury at Saint-Cloud on March 15.
Top US fancy Einstein was considered the unlucky runner by jockey Robby Albarado. His bad stumble at the start enough to make the difference (in his opinion), having him out the back and still looking a winning chance when he moved into the race on turning.
So it was no Group One win number eighteen this season for Aidan O'Brien with Mount Nelson. Sometimes the closer you get to history, the further away (and more difficult to claim) the prize can seem. The weight of expectation. This all too evident with Roger Federer who appeared certain only 12 months ago to catch and pass the Grand Slam winning total of Pete Sampras. Federer was winning Wimbledon every year - and often winning the other majors (Australian and US) in addition - although the French Open was the domain of Rafael Nadal. But this year - unless Federer can win the US Open - not a single Grand Slam. And Nadal is improved and resurgent. And the clock ticks. Time runs out. The last few wins to gain a record the most difficult to achieve.
There is still plenty of time, and ample (numerous) opportunities for Aidan O'Brien. But he has been successful in the closest of finishes when a centimetre would have taken away several Group One prizes. Aidan O'Brien still should achieve the record number of Group One winners in a season, but it also will require a degree of luck.
Click here for a replay of the Arlington Million 2008
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