Nations Pride Gives Godolphin A Measure of Redemption In Arlington Million

[Wandering Eyes]

NEW KENT COUNTY, VA — After sending out the beaten favorites in both the GI FanDuel Fourstardave Handicap and GI Saratoga Derby Invitational Stakes at Saratoga, the operation's NATIONS PRIDE (IRE) (h, 5, Teofilo {Ire}–Important Time {GB}, by Oasis Dream {GB}) struck for chalk players hundreds of miles to the south as he quickened up beautifully in the stretch to take out Sunday's GI Arlington Million Stakes at Colonial Downs. With the lights taking full effect as dusk set in over New Kent County, Nations Pride was ridden towards the back of the pack as longshot Sugoi (Karakontie {Jpn}) went off on a wing and a prayer, opening a long lead despite an opening half-mile that was timed in :50.03. Still the better part of 10 lengths clear at the midpoint of the second turn, Sugoi began to toss out some distress signals, and he proved a sitting duck for a class animal like Nations Pride, who shot right past the spent front-runner, then easily held a mild late bid from 2023 GIII Virginia Derby winner and 6-5 second choice Integration (Quality Road). Ancient Rome (War Front) loomed a threat inside the final furlong, as he dove down inside with a menacing bid, but he ultimately was forced to settle for third. Lifetime Record: 18-10-3-2. O/B-Godolphin; T-Charlie Appleby.

 

Grade 1 glory for the boys in blue! @godolphin

It's job done for @WilliamBuickX and Charlie Appleby at @ColonialDowns as Nations Pride justifies favouritism in the Arlington Million… pic.twitter.com/tYifADJhWf

— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) August 12, 2024

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