Spirit One Breeders' Cup Qualified
France's Star Won Arlington Million for BC Turf Ticket
Oct 3, 2008
By capturing the $500,000 Arlington Million Stakes at the August 9 International Festival of Racing day at Arlington, Spirit One didn't need to worry about the upcoming Goodwood Stakes to qualify for the Breeders' Cup Classic. His Arlington win qualified him for the Breeders' Cup Turf, scheduled October 25 as one of 14 Breeders' Cup World Championships races slated on a two-day card.
Winning the Goodwood Stakes (G1) at Santa Anita Park September 27 would simply make Spirit One twice as eligible to compete in October's Breeders' Cup. He could enter the Breeders' Cup Classic, where the three-year-old French star might hook up with America's Big Brown.
Spirit One Coming to America
Spirit One arrived in America from a second place finish his last time out in France, where he had 17 starts and four wins to his credit. He placed in the La Coupe (FR-G3) after winning the Prix Exbury (FR-G3) in March.
The Arlington was his North American debut. He carried a new rider, Spain native Ioritz Mendizabal. Spirit One's regular jockey core was occupied in France. Mendizabal was in the States to guide Beverly D. Stakes entrant Cicerole, who went 6th in that event.
Spirit One's Connections Happy at Arlington
Spirit One's owner-breeder, Kamel Chehboub, told The Blood-Horse (August 16, page 4037, "International Spirit") that winning the Arlington Million made "a great day and so exceptional for a small breeder to win such a big race."
Spirit One had been on the heels of the European superstars. As a two-year-old, he ran in the group I Criterum International and lost by a head to Mount Nelson, Great Britain's champion runner trained by the Aidan O'Brien barn.
Spirit One Wins in Second Try Against Mount Nelson
In the Arlington, Mount Nelson was a beaten third, 1-1/2 lengths behind favorite Archipenko, who gave up three-quarters length to the French winner.
Spirit One had also seen the likes of European Horse of the Year candidate Duke of Marmalade, losing late by 2-1/2 lengtrhs in the Prix Ganay (FR-G1). In addition, Archipenko is a family Dubai racer, a Hong Kong group I winner, and a son of Kingmambo.
Winchester Wins Secretariat Stakes
The Arlington international meet included the Secretariat Stakes at 1-1/4 miles and the Beverly D. Stakes for females. Both races were on turf, as well.
Ireland's Winchester won the Secretariat 7-1/4 lengths ahead of country rival Plan. The favorite, America's Tizdejavu, son of the mighty Tiznow, finished a disappointing third, another 2-1/2 lengths back.
The plan for Plan was his purchase before the running of the Secretariat by the IEAH Stables from majority owner Michael Tabor. The colt became a stablemate of Big Brown, and will be handled by Richard Dutrow, Jr.
Plan was sired by Storm Cat and is out of Spain, a $3 million career earner.
Mauralakana Captures Beverly D. Stakes
Mauralakana, with Kent Desormeaux up, won the Beverly D. impressively, beating Dreaming of Anna and Precious Kitten. It was the five-year-old mare's fifth win in six starts this season.
After her win at Arlington, Mauralakana was pointed to the Flower Bowl (G IT), and will also compete in the Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf October 24.
Mauralakana has an English sire, Muhtathir; an Australian owner, Robert Scarborough; and a French-bred-trainer, Christophe Clement.
Her pedigreed connections makes her a natural for the Breeders' Cup World Championships. It exhibits a true international Spirit One flavor.
