Thanks saksy
Ponti lands Million as Stotsfold runs a blinder
Report: USA, Saturday
Arlington Park: Arlington Million (Grade 1) 1m2f, turf, 3yo+
EUROPE’S three Arlington Million contenders were turned back by a power-packed Gio Ponti in Chicago on Saturday – but the Walter Swinburn-trained Stotsfold distinguished himself in defeat, running a fantastic race to just lose second place on the line.
Stotsfold, the leastfancied of the European trio at 28-1, was produced by Adam Kirby with a strong-looking challenge after turning for home in the $1million event and for a stride or two it even looked as if the six-year-old might claim an unlikely success for Britain.
However, the Christophe Clement-trained Gio Ponti was not for catching, and the 6-4 favourite confirmed his status as the top grass horse in the States by pulling out more under Ramon Dominguez to record his fourth successive Grade 1 victory by a length and a quarter.
Just As Well, a 19-1 chance, nabbed the gallant Stotsfold for second at the wire, with the Luca Cumani-trained Cima De Triomphe back in fourth of the eight runners.
Swinburn, who rode Hatoof to win the Beverly D at Arlingtonin 1994, was delighted with the performance of both Stotsford and his jockey.
Beaming under his shades, Swinburn pointed to 20-year-old Kirby, who had ridden a fine race on his American debut.
“He should be very pleased with himself,” said Swinburn. “We knew all week the horse was in good form and we said we weren’t here to make up the numbers.”
“It is a shame we just got beaten for second but I am thrilled – in the straight there for a minute I was in danger of jumping off the balcony!”
In front of a crowd of 28,141, Stotsfold was settled towards the rear in the early stages as free-running Presious Passion established his customary lead, going at least seven lengths clear by the half-mile.
France’s Gloria De Campeao raced at the head of the main body of the field, with Gio Ponti, who stumbled at the gate, closer than usual hugging the fence in fourth.
Presious Passion, unsuited by the yielding conditions, was a spent rounding the far turn and faded to finish last, where Gio Ponti split horses before rallying four wide to hit the lead two furlongs out.
Stotsfold slipped through a small hole to take second and looked the only conceivable challenger to Gio Ponti, only for Just As Well to mug him for second, which he lost by a head.
Kirby was overjoyed. “He is a very special horse and he owes me absolutely nothing,” said the rider. “He is such a gentleman and he always does his best, always a pleasure to ride.
“They jumped put pretty fast but we travelled pretty well,” he added. “I had walked the track and thought the better ground was nearer the fence so I tried to get that and he has taken me into the race really, really well.
“He had every right to be here and I thought he was overpriced. In the straight for a second I just thought I might have won but he has run a blinder anyway.”
Winning jockey Dominguez is leading the US ranks this term in prize-money terms with more than $10m banked, much of it thanks to Gio Ponti. He left no one in any doubt about Gio Ponti’s virtues. “He’s a great horse,” he said.
“He’s a pleasure to ride - he just does everything so easy. I was little concerned about the way the turf was playing today and he stumbled a little bit out of the gate – I thought it would compromise my chances but right away he came back up and was on the bridle, takingme every step of the way.”
Trainer Chris Clement worked as assistant trainer to Luca Cumani for four years before setting up in his own right in the States, where has developed a reputation for his knack of producing top-class turf performers.
Gio Ponti, a four-year-old son of Tale Of The Cat, looks the best of them all. “We were patient with him at three and he keeps maturing and is a better four-year-old.”
The Breeders’ Cup Turf could well feature on the winner’s agenda, although he has yet to race at 1m4f.
“There are many good races around and he could go in any of them,” said Clement. “Let’s just enjoy today.”
Despite coming fourth, Cima De Triomphe was never a factor. After racing in mid-division under Christophe Lemaire, he drifted wide turning for home before staying on again six lengths behind Stotsfold.
Lemaire commented: “The early part was fine but he got a little fractious at the end of the backstretch. He found a little something for the finish but a little bit late.”
Second favourite Einstein was lacking in lustre in fifth, two places ahead of Gloria De Campeao, reportedly ill at ease on rain-softened ground.
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