The close fourth in the 2010 Dubai World Cup, Gio Ponti is back to defend his Arlington Million (G1) crown in Saturday’s 28th edition over ten furlongs on the suburban Chicago turf course. Ramon Dominguez has the return riding engagement.
A field of nine others were entered this week, including Dubai International Racing Carnival graduate Summit Surge, the recent winner of the Skybet York Stakes (G2) over Dubai World Cup third Allybar. A Luca Cumani trainee, Summit Surge started four times at Meydan and was a best third behind Imbongi in the Zabeel Mile (G2). The son of Noverre will get Lasix for the first time and is partnered with Kieran Fallon for the seventh consecutive time. Debussy, a two time appearer at the 2010 DIRC, earned a spot in the starting gate for HRH Princess Haya and trainer John Gosden. On paper, Debussy seems a cut below the top performers in the Million.
Below, watch the 2009 Arlington Million, won by Gio Ponti.