Mondialiste just enough in Million

Arlington Heights, Illinois  

Mondialiste continued his strong performances in North America with a driving victory in the Arlington Million Stakes Saturday afternoon.

The Irish-bred was last seen in the U.S. running second in the 2015 Breeders' Cup Mile, and now battled his way to the winner's circle at Arlington Park.

Jockey Daniel Tudhope worked his way through traffic and put the son of Galileo in a clear path turning for home to take the lead for good in the final jumps.

Mondialiste took the Arlington Million by an official neck over Kasaqui, and Deauville finished another neck back third. Race favorite, World Approval gave way late and finished seventh. 

The opening fractions were not very quick in this event, :25 & :49, which made for a bunched field down the stretch, including many horses near the wire.

Mondialiste ended up running the 1 1/4 mile turf race in an even final time of 2:01 and returned a price of $10.80 to win.

With the victory Mondialiste earned a trip to the Breeders' Cup, set to take place in November at Santa Anita, and trainer David O'Meara said they plan on taking their winner to California to compete.

Frosted impressive in Whitney

Saratoga Springs, NY

Frosted took the $1.25 million Whitney stakes with ease over the Saratoga race course Saturday afternoon. 

The heavy post time favorite ran to his odds and dominated the field of six. The 4-year-old son of Tapit toyed with the other contenders, setting a fast pace under little stress, while kicking clear late under a hand ride by jockey Joel Rosario. 

Frosted entered the Whitney after a smashing 14+ length victory in the Met Mile, and trainer Kiaran McLaughlin's fear of a bounce was quickly put to rest when the favorite found himself cruising on the lead with ease down the backstretch.

The Kentucky bred, took the lead before the first quarter-mile from Upstart and never looked back. Setting quick fractions for the 9-furlong distance of :23, :46, 1:09, before putting the field away down the lane to finish a clear 2-lengths clear of Comfort in second.

Frosted returned $3.00 to win and ran the 1 1/8-mile race in a solid final time of 1:47.

Upstart completed the trifecta, finishing a half-length behind Comfort in third. with Effinex fourth.

Frosted has now earned more than $3.9 million and earned an automatic berth into the Breeders' Cup Classic. 

Surf meets turf at Del Mar

Del Mar, CA

Opening day of Del Mar, the unofficial San Diego holiday, was a welcomed sight on Friday. Over 42,000 were in attendance for the first Friday opener in 40 years.  The on-track crowd was the largest crowd of the year at a California racetrack and over 2K more than 2015.

The total handle was also higher. With over $16 million wagered, an increase of over a million dollars more than last year.

Jockey Santiago Gonzalez grabbed the early lead in the jockey standings with three wins. While Tyler Baze and Kent Desormeaux both had two victories.

Trainer Peter Miller and jockey Gary Stevens teamed up to win the traditional Opening Day Oceanside Stakes with Monster Bea. Returning $27.20 to win, ahead of Moolight Drive and Path of David.

Monster Bea was only in Miller's care for about week and Stevens helped rally the gelding from behind a quick pace to a clear victory late. 

The racing schedule continues at the seaside oval Wednesday - Sunday with a 2 p.m. first post. 

Melatonin fights to Gold Cup victory

Arcadia, CA

Melatonin proved best with a stylish win in the Gold Cup at Santa Anita and punched a ticket to the Breeders' Cup.

The race favorite ran to his odds in Saturday's $500K feature race.

Jockey Joe Talamo held the favorite in check through soft opening fractions of :23 and :47, sitting just off the lead in second, before making his move. 

Talamo asked Melatonin for run around the far turn. The Big Cap winner responded and fought through the lane to prevail by 1 1/2 lengths over Win the Space.

The 24/1 longshot ran a credible second place finish under rider Gary Stevens. Win the Space sat behind the favorite throughout the race, but just couldn't match him down the stretch when asked.

Hard Aces rounded out the trifecta, finishing almost another length back in third. 

Melatonin was impressive with the determination shown in victory. He returned $5.60 to win.  

Trained by David Hofmans, Melatonin ran the 1 1/4 mile race in a solid 1:59. 

The Gold Cup victory has given him a fees-paid berth to the $6 million Breeders' Cup Classic on Nov. 5.

Songbird heading east for summer

Arcadia, CA 

Champion filly Songbird will ship east and spend the summer away from her Santa Anita home. According to trainer Jerry Hollendorfer the champ will be pointing towards Grade I races at Saratoga and Parx in July and August. Songbird was an easy winner in the Grade II Summertime Oaks last time out in Arcadia, after battling a fever in mid-April. She remains undefeated with eight straight victories and has earned over $2 million. The $300K American Oaks at Saratoga on July 24 is the expected next start under regular Hall of Fame rider Mike Smith.