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Spirit One wins Arlington Million in dominant fashion!
Spirit One, one of three European entrants, seized the lead and never let go to emerge the winner in the Grade IT Arlington Million on Saturday, August 9, 2008 at Arlington Park racecourse.
The favorite Archipenko staged a late challenge but was nevertheless repelled by the French-bred Spirit One as he posted a ¾ length win. Spirit One accomplished the 10 furlong assignment in a time of 2:02.17.
Under the ridership of Ioritz Mendizabal, Spirit One started on an explosive footing and immediately got the lead. He was tailed by Mount Nelson , Archipenko, and Stream Cat through temperate fractions.
The pacesetting Spirit One did not give the others a chance as he relentlessly blazed through the Arlington Park racecourse turf. Archipenko made a spirited attempt in the final furlong but was hopelessly stuck on the hedge as he was blocked by Mount Nelson . As he was able to get some space, Spirit One had already reached the wire.
Spirit One clicked off fractions of :24.66, :48.57, 1:12.40, and 1:37.40 for a mile, and paid $29.40, $10.20, and $6 for his Arlington Million triumph.
Archipenko came in second under Kevin Shea, 1½ lengths in front of English-bred Mount Nelson , as all three European-based horses took all the money. Archipenko returned $68.40, while the trifecta ( 3-1-7 ) was worth $264.20.
Much was expected of Einstein, the top North American-based horse, but alas stumbled at the start of the Arlington Million and that cause him dearly, as he was unable to regroup. He finished in fifth spot, ½-length behind Silverfoot.
Spirit One is now 5-6-2 from 18 starts. His win in the Arlington Million boosted his career earnings to about $1.1 million.
The victory also earned Spirit One an automatic berth in the Breeders' Cup Turf (gr. IT) Oct. 25 at Santa Anita racecourse. Spirit One's connections has said that they are open to entering him there. |
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