Fort Washington on time to win the G1 Arlington Million * The Racing Biz

Racing American is largely aimed at three -year -olds. But today’s degree 1 Arlington Million made for a timely memory that some horses that are not much on three later, indeed in something very special.

Fort Washington, who only won a regulated interest in 5 years last year, flew late on the outside to win the million with half a length to secure his first class 1 victory, and the first class 1 triumph for his owner, Joe Anzalone’s Magic Cap Stables.

“He is six, but he was only at maybe 5 ½,” said Anzalone. “He was just lost for the longest time.”

It was, Anzalone, worth waiting.

“It’s just an incredible experience,” he said. “I am on cloud 9. I will continue all night until my flight leaves.”

The victory was the third of Fort Washington in four starts, all in the Graded company. He previously won the grade 3 Canadian Turf in Gulfstream Park and then, in May, the grade 3 dinner in Pimlico.

Speaking of that, Arlington Million Day was also a banner’s day for Pimlico. The winners of the Van Clief, Beverly D., and million had all won in Old Hilltop in May.

After a tough journey led to a medium outcome for Fort Washington in the degree 2 Wise, the million was initially not on the table. Trainer Shug McGaughey, said Anzalone, looked at a trip to Kentucky Downs, where even the nocturnal races have a crazy large wallets.

“But I think he worked so well, he just didn’t give Shug the choice,” said Anzalone. Fort Washington posted three works between the race of 28 June Wise Dan and the race of today, two on the peat in Saratoga.

The million seemed to run through integration, Fort Washington’s Stablemate, who had finished second in four previous grade 1 events, but had not yet earned a characteristic triumph. He went on 3-5, but was forced to settle for third place.

In the beginning it was time song that set the pace, a measured half miles in 48.36 seconds and three -quarters in 1: 12.25. He still led with two lengths after a mile in a moderate 1:36 flat.

Fort Washington was in the meantime at that time, in the last place, five lengths behind the leader. But Jockey Junior Alvarado “He is so good, and he loves this horse,” said Anzalone awarded to save almost the entire journey until they cherished wide near the quarterly post for clear sailing.

“Sometimes it just matters to get your horse in a good rhythm,” said Alvarado. “I was the last one, but he traveled nicely. I knew what I had all the time.”

Produced the widest of all, Fort Washington flew too late and the last quarter of miles in fewer than 23 seconds to triumph with half a length above Grand Sonata, which closed along the rail. Integration, who had his head in front, pleased with third place. Duration for 1 1/4 miles on sturdy peat was 1: 59.58.

“When I turned home, I said, they will get into trouble because they just started picking it up, and I knew what I had among me,” Alvarado explained. “He has such a powerful turn of foot and he showed it today.”

‘I said he had a shot, and then I thought I would be defeated by the rail [horse, Grand Sonata]”Said Anzalone.” But he had enough. ‘

The victory of Fort Washington went on with a banner year for his rider. The victory was Alvarado’s 10th Graded victory of the year and celebrated in Grade 1 Company. He won the Kentucky Derby and Belmont on board sovereignty, which will probably be back for more in the travers, and Alvarado is at pace to crush his best earlier income.

“It was a sensation. It has been one of those years that you always dream, but it is really hard to think it can happen,” said Alvarado. “But it actually happens to me this year, and I just thank God for it.”

Fort Washington paid $ 13.40 to win and was an exact worth $ 44.00 on a deployment of one dollar. In the seven bets of the day, favorites went 0-out-7.

It was the third victory of Fort Washington in five starts this year and seventh in 28 career trips. The million wallet pushed his career -bankroll to more than $ 1.3 million. He started his career in two and has earned more money every successive year.

Fort Washington, an intact son of War Front, started his racing career for co-owners Joseph Allen and Peter Brant. In July 2023, Anzalone paid $ 260,000 for Brant’s half of the horse, and he later bought the rest of all. It turned out to be a wise investment.

“He just fell on my lap,” said the owner. “It has just been an excellent adventure.”

Notes In other Graded Stakes promotion on the map, Giocoso slid by winning the degree 2, $ 500,000 secretariat for three-year-olds who went on the peat, while Charlene’s Dream placed a front-running score in grade 2, $ 500,000 Beverly D. for Merries and Merries. Ben Curtis was Giocoso in the IJzers on board for trainer Keith Sormeaux, while Javier Castellano Charlene’s dream for Ed Moger, Jr.