| Gauchos0522 |
08-10-2006 06:36 PM |
Arlington Million
English Channel and Cacique put on quite a show alternating decisions in Grade 1 events in their last three starts. Both are very solid, and this 1 1/4-mile distance might be their best. But I like Ace, who has been competitive over the last two years with the best turf horses in the world, to beat them.
Ace has not won in two years and it is usually poor policy to fancy horses who haven't won in so long. But in handicapping, it is an even bigger mistake to be too inflexible. Because he has run well at the highest levels, Ace is just the type of horse who begs an exception. This year, Ace competed in two Group 1 races in England against top-class performers such as Shirocco, Ouija Board, and Electrocutionist, and was beaten less than five lengths in each event. More importantly, Ace has already demonstrated that he can transfer his sharp European form to this continent. Last fall, Ace finished third in the Turf Classic, and though English Channel did finish in front of him that day, it should be noted that Ace forced the pace in that race, and that is not the way he wants to run. He returned to closing tactics in the BC Turf, and was a terrific second to Shirocco.
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