Turf Classic for Sulamani

Sulamani, who was placed first by the stewards in the Grade 1 Arlington Million, will make his next start in the Grade 1, $750,000 Turf Classic Invitational on Sept. 27 at Belmont Park, Godolphin Racing Inc. announced on its website Wednesday.

The Turf Classic, run at 1 1/2 miles, will be Sulamani's final prep before the Breeders' Cup Turf at Santa Anita on Oct. 25.

"The reason we've decided to run in the Turf Classic Invitational is because we think this is the best route to the Breeders' Cup Turf, and Sulamani's whole year has been programmed around that race," said Simon Crisford, Godolphin's racing manager.

Sulamani, an Irish-bred son of Hernando, has won 6 of 10 starts, including the Group 1 Dubai Sheema Classic this year and the French Derby last year. According to Tom Albertrani, Godolphin's New York-based trainer, Sulamani arrived at Belmont Park on Aug. 18, two days after the Million.

Sulamani had finished second in the Million but was placed first when Storming Home, who crossed the wire first, drifted out at the wire and interfered with another horse. Sulamani's victory gave Godolphin its 100th Group 1 or Grade 1 win.