Full field likely for Arlington Million

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. – One might think the horses would come out in droves to run for a million dollars, but though it doesn’t usually work that way, a full field is coming together for the Arlington Million on Aug. 12.

As of Wednesday, 14 horses, the most that can start, were considered likely entrants in the Million, for which pre-entries are officially due at midnight Saturday.

The list of probable entrants provided by Arlington and the International Racing Bureau, which coordinates travel and logistics for international shippers, includes four Europeans headed by Deauville, who won the Belmont Derby before finishing third as a 3-year-old in the 2016 Million. The other overseas shippers are Mekhtaal, Fanciful Angel, and Scottish.

Mondialiste, who won the Million last year, was briefly considered a possible runner after bouncing back into form with a second-place finish in the York Stakes on July 29 but now has been withdrawn from consideration and is likely to instead ship to Canada for the Woodbine Mile.

The U.S.-based horses considered likely Million entrants are Divisidero, Kasaqui, Beach Patrol, The Pizza Man, Ghost Hunter, Enterprising, Oscar Nominated, Oak Brook, and Applicator. Mike Maker trains Enterprising and Oscar Nominated and also is expected to cross-enter Taghleeb in the Million and the American St. Leger.

The field for the Grade 1, $750,000 Beverly D. is smaller but excellent. Among the likely pre-entrants is Dona Bruja, the Argentine import who has impressively won the Mint Julep Handicap and the Modesty Handicap in her two North American starts. She worked a sharp five furlongs in 1:00.60 on Monday at Keeneland for trainer Ignacio Correas, who also trains Kasaqui, second in the 2016 Million.

Set to face Dona Bruja are three Chad Brown-trained horses – Grand Jete, Dacita, and Rainha Da Bateria – as well as Hawksmoor, Prado’s Sweet Ride, Kitten’s Roar, and the German filly Sarandia. Three Aidan O’Brien-trained horses – Rain Goddess, Elizabeth Browning, and Alluringly – are under consideration.

Heading the Grade 1 Secretariat Stakes, which also is coming up a solid race, is Belmont Derby winner Oscar Performance. Penn Mile winner Frostmourne is expected to run, as is American Derby winner Sonic Boom. Permian, who just missed last out in the Group 1 Grand Prix de Paris, heads a three-horse European contingent that also includes Taj Mahal and Afandem.

The American St. Leger, its purse reduced to $250,000 this year, is struggling in great part because, surprisingly, no Europeans are expected to come. Prospective starters include Keystonetovictory, Postulation, and Bullard’s Alley.