Stotsfold impresses in Gala Stakes victory at Sandown

Stotsfold remains on course for the Arlington Million after his game, weight-giving victory in the listed Gala Stakes at Sandown Park on Friday.

Third in last year's Million, Stotsfold enhanced his reputation in the $56,000 1 1/4-mile contest, as he was spotting his nine rivals three to 22 pounds thanks to his recent victory in the Group 3 Briagdier Gerard Stakes over the Gala course and distance on May 27. Reserved in sixth under Adam Kirby, the 7-year-old son of Barathea moved into second at the quarter pole, caught the 3-1 favorite, Prince Siegfried, just inside the eighth pole and ran out a half-length winner. The winning time on a course labeled good, good to firm in places, was 2:05.14.

Sent off as the 9-2 third choice because of his high assignment of 137 pounds as opposed to the runner-up's 131, Stotsfold will have one more race before leaving for Chicago, according to trainer Walter Swinburn. That will come on July 24 at York in the 1 1/4-mile, 88-yard, Group 2 York Stakes. Best remembered in America for his rides aboard 1983 Eclipse Award Horse of the Year All Along, Swinburn was expectant after Stotsfold's performance, saying "I think I can get him to Arlington better than he was last year when he was third."