Godolphin's Tryster (Ire) (Shamardal), who drew post 12 as the 7-2 favorite for Saturday's GI Arlington Million, worked an easy four furlongs over the Polytrack Wednesday morning ahead of his first North American engagement. The 5-year-old covered the distance in :53.60 under exercise rider Jo Hunnam and appeared well within himself, according to his connections.
“I was very happy, he was just [sent out] to stretch his legs down the straight,” said Godolphin's traveling assistant Chris Connett, carrying out the instructions of head trainer Charles Appleby. “The first two furlongs was just a two-minute lick pace, and then he stepped it up. We clocked him going 37 seconds and change from the 3/8 pole to the wire and he galloped out strong. Jo was pleased with him. It's all systems go for Saturday.”
A number of other Million hopefuls were on the track Wednesday morning, including 2015 GI Breeders' Cup Mile runner-up Mondialiste (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), who galloped with a group of other Euro invaders.
“It's just about keeping him fit,” said Fearghal Davis, traveling assistant to trainer David O'Meara. “If you're not fit now you won't ever be. He is relaxing and settling in with each passing day. He'll go out for a bit of a canter tomorrow.”
Mondialiste drew post nine for the Million and has been set at a morning line price of 5-1.
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