Real Solution awarded the Million - By Tom Krish
Posted on - 19 Aug 2013
Real Solution awarded the Million
The Apache, winner by a head, incurs judges' wrath
By Tom Krish
There was glorious sunshine. It was a 12-race card at Arlington Park on Saturday. It was Million Day and the Arlington showpiece was one of three Grade I races. Then there was the American St Leger. All the four races were to be run on Arlington's grass course. I was at Arlington Park a few minutes after noon. Racing began promptly at 12 45 PM.
The American St Leger, a 2700-metre contest with a $400,000 purse, was the seventh race. Bet down to 8/10 favoritism, Dandino had to work hard and jockey Ryan Moore had to use all his wits to prevail by half a length over the stubborn Suntracer. The time was 2 50.78. Marco Botti trains the winner. By Dansili out of Generous Diana (Generous), the six year-old Dandino was winning for the eighth time in 25 career starts.
Thencame the Secretariat Stakes, a 2000-metre race for three year-olds. Rosie Napravnik, one of America's leading riders and a lady, steered the ultra consistent Admiral Kitten to a well-deserved victory over Stormy Len. Taking third was Jack Milton, the 24/10 favorite. Admiral Kitten, a 52/10 chance, won by a length and a quarter. The time was 2 02.17. Kitten's Joy, a Secretariat winner in 2004 , is the sire of Admiral Kitten whose dam is Reachinforthestars (Grand Slam). The Secretariat carried a $500,000 purse.
Jockey Napravnik had this say about her victory. "My horse (Admiral Kitten) relaxed well. We had a clear run around the second turn and he finished very fast. He has class, is laid back and a joy to ride."
Now it was time for an English invader to strut her stuff. The race was the $750,000, the 2100-metre, Beverly D. It was Dank a Sir Michael Stoute pupil, who came away victorious when the dust settled. Ryan Moore had the Dansili (four year-old) filly held up and there was an electrifying response when Dank was let loose turning for home. . The winning margin was four and one quarter lengths. Dank, a 32/10 choice, timed 1 53.38. Dank is out of Masskana, a Darshaan mare.
Jockey Moore said," she (Dank) has been aggressive all year. She was in excellent condition coming into this and when she kicked, it was all over."
The market rage was Marketing Mix. Second in a photo in the 2012 edition of the Beverly D, Maketing Mix winner of Hollywood's Sunset Handicap against the males in her most recent race, was the 11/10 choice and pulled hard and would not settle into a rhythm. Alarm bells were ringing for the Medagliad'Oro mare as the field negotiated the turn for the run to the box.
The Arlington Million was the 10th in the 12-contest card. Indy Point, with Hall of Famer Gary Stevens in the saddle, was the 28/10 public choice. Grandeur, leaving from post 13 in the 13-horse field, was the second favorite. Little Mike, the 2012 Million champion, was the third pick in the wagering.
Tom Krish with C Lemaire & C D Hayes
The race went to The Apache, a Mike de Kock trainee, ridden by the irrepressible Christophe Soumillon. It was a duel in the last eighth of a mile and there was a photo finish. A head separated The Apache from Real Solution. Two back in third was Side Galnce. Alan Garcia, Real Solution's jockey, lodged an objection against Soumillion for bumping repeatedly late in the lane. The stewards did not take long in reaching a decision. Alan Garcia's complaint found favor with the stewards. The Apache was disqualified and placed second. Real Solution was promoted to first.
Jockey Garcia described his ride. "I took him (Real Solution) back and he was nice and relaxed. I took him out four-wide and challenged in the stretch. I was bumped four times by the other horse (The Apache) and but for the interference, we would have won by two or three lengths."
Christophe Soumillon did not agree. "Real Solution was spooked (startled) by the (infield) giant screen and shifted out. I had the better horse."
Chad Brown trains Real Solution who clocked 2.00.99 for the 2000-metre trip. Real Solution was 84/10 in the tote. Kitten's Joy is Real Solution's sire. The dam is Reachfortheheavens by Pulpit. Ken and Sarah Ramey own Real Solution. It was the second Grade I win on Million Day for the Ramseys who had earlier won the Secretariat with Admiral Kitten.
Indy Point was not a factor at any point. Grandeur was wide and had poor position. Little Mike led, was challenged and threw in the towel.
Quotes: courtesy of Arlington Park Press Staff
Photos: courtesy of Naren Murkonda
