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Godolphin's Chicago Team Ready To Fire

J A McGrath
Tryster, a prolific winner in the past 12 months, heads a strong Godolphin raid on the important G1 Arlington Million card in Chicago on August 13.

Tryster, a prolific winner in the past 12 months, heads a strong Godolphin raid on the important G1 Arlington Million card in Chicago on August 13.

The Charlie Appleby-trained gelding is being aimed at the featured Arlington Million, over a mile and a quarter, and will be joined by Sky Hunter, trained by Saeed bin Suroor.

Saeed will also send Very Special for the G1 Beverly D and Secret Number for the G3 American St Leger, both races being run on the same day.

The long-serving Godolphin trainer will be attempting to revive memories of Sulamani, who he trained to win the race in 2003.

Sulamani was awarded awarded the race in the stewards' room and Storming Home relegated to fourth after the latter caused interference in the home stretch.

Saeed has kept Sky Hunter for a campaign in the second half of the season. "He is doing well in his work at home and I am looking forward to seeing him run," the trainer said.

"This will be his first run since a trip to Melbourne (when 22nd to Prince Of Penzance in the G1 Cup on November 3) but he is in good form," he added.

Meanwhile Appleby is delighted with Tryster, who finished fifth in the G1 Prince Of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot, which followed his good third in the Dubai Turf at Meydan. "He has come out of Ascot well and he deserves a crack at a decent prize in the States," Appleby said.

Saeed sends Very Special for the G1 Beverly D, fresh from her run in the G1 Falmouth Stakes at the Newmarket July Meeting.

"I was very happy with her run in the Falmouth last week. She had returned from Dubai in great form after winning there at G2 level. I expect her to be suited by the track at Arlington, this is the right race for her," he added.

Saeed will also send Secret Number to Chicago. His selected race is the G3 American St Leger, a successful addition to the card in recent years.

He has not run since finishing a solid second to Dandino in the G3 Queen's Cup at Flemington on November 7.

Saeed said: "Secret Number is a very consistent horse and his recent form shows that he is up to this level. I was pleased with his second in Melbourne last time out, and we have brought him along slowly this season. The American St Leger is very suitable for him."

TRYSTER wins at Meydan
TRYSTER wins at Meydan © Steven Cargill