Dandino just dandy at Arlington Million
Forget about pace making the race.
In the second running of the $400,000 American St. Leger, it was all about space making the race.
And that was especially true for Dandino (4-5), the heavy favorite in the 1 11/16ths miles marathon on the turf at Arlington International Racecourse.
Twice over for Dandino, as a matter of fact.
First as he navigated his way behind a wall of front-runners spinning out of the turn, just begging for the slightest opening to burst through; and then again midway down the stretch where he took a couple of bumps but altered his course just in time, bursting through late and then holding off Suntracer by half-length.
“I was locked in the whole race, but he was the best horse,” winning jockey Ryan Moore said.
“Bit of a check at the top of the stretch, which worried us, but Ryan found the gap,” said Liz Dance, wife of owner Darren Dance. “It was a magnificent ride.”
Suntracer (8-1), a Chris Block-trainee, trailed the eight-horse field for much of the race before putting on the afterburners turning for home and nearly getting to Dandino.
“I got stuck the whole way on the rail and the pace was slow,” jockey Eddie Castro said. “I just needed a little more space. The horse pushed me out a little bit, but he worked hard.”
Najjaar (5-1) was another three-quarters of a length back in third.
“Tough as nails, that guy. I love him,” said jockey James Graham of the Dan Peitz-trained colt.