I previewed the Arlington Million earlier in the week and there is a cracking supporting cast to Saturday’s big race. Trainer Marco Botti won the inaugural running of the American St Leger last season with Jakkalberry and is now poised to duplicate that success with the popular Dandino.
Dandino was formerly owned by the Elite Racing Club so had plenty of admirers. He didn’t let them down, giving them the pleasure of a Royal Ascot victory and a win at the Epsom Derby meeting. He has gone on to land the Group 2 Jockey Club Stakes and the Group 3 September Stakes but his best days could still be ahead of him.
The American St Leger is only his first target with the Melbourne Cup a long term objective. Jakkalberry finished a highly creditable third in the Cup last year after being written off by many following a poor run in the Caulfield Cup. Ryan Moore has been snapped up to ride Dandino and the bookies seem to be in some disagreement about his price. William Hill have him at odds-on whilst you can still get 7-4 elsewhere. I’m happy to take the 7-4 with a little each-way at 33-1 for the Melbourne Cup in November.
Grandeur has been drawn in stall 13 on the wide outside for the Million. Our midweek selections Mull Of Killough (8) and Little Mike (11) have fared a little better. Moore rides Hunter’s Light in the Million but is over mainly to partner Dank in the Beverly D Stakes for Sir Michael Stoute.
Even Moore admitted to being surprised at how well she won in Ireland last time and it is not impossible that she could turn the tables on her Ascot conqueror Duntle. The one that both have to worry about is the progressive Gifted Girl, trained by Paul Cole. She has done nothing but improve this season and overcame firm ground to win a decent race at Pontefract last time. This is a big step up in class but she looks the value bet at around 13-2.
Yeager did us a nice favour when scoring at 20-1 in a handicap at Ascot last time out and now finds himself running in the Grade 1 Secretariat Stakes. At first glance that seems like a huge step up in class but this race may not take as much winning as you might think. Moore also has the leg up on this one and I’m happy to re-invest some of the return from that Ascot race at 8-1 for a follow up.
Dandino 7-4 American St Leger Paddy Power
Dandino 33-1 Melbourne Cup Stan James
Gifted Girl 13-2 Beverly D Stakes Paddy Power
Yeager 8-1 Secretariat Stakes Bet Victor
