Debussy pulls 11-1 upset in Arlington Million

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. – After Gio Ponti blew to the lead in deep stretch and appeared poised to win the Arlington Million for the second straight year, 11-1 shot Debussy surfaced from nowhere to nail him in the final few strides in a dramatic conclusion to the 28th Million.

With William Buick riding for Darley Stud and Princess Haya of Jordan, Debussy, an Irish-bred 4-year-old trained by John Gosden, returned $24 after finishing the 1 1/4-mile distance in 2:03.01 over a good turf course.

Tazeez, a second Gosden trainee, finished third after opening a big lead on the final turn, while Rahystrada was fourth in a field of nine.

The $2 exacta combining Debussy and the odds-on Gio Ponti paid $77.20. The $1 Festival pick three paid $219.60, with the previous winners being Paddy O’Prado in the Secretariat and Eclair de Lune in the Beverly D.