Super Star in the Making
The Arlington Park Mid America Triple consists of three racing events, namely the Arlington Classic, the American Derby and the Secretariat Stakes. Not many horses have been able to obtain this title. The last horse to win all three events was Honor Glide, which won the races in 1997, and before him it was Buckpasser in the year 1966. This year, however, there is a horse that stands a very good chance of securing all three races, namely Willcox Inn.
The talented three-year-old colt was selected by Marette Farrell at the 2009 Lexington Fasig-Tipton sale as a yearling, and is owned by All In Stable. All In Stable consists of Michael Stidham (trainer), Hilary Pridham (assistant trainer), Marette Farrell, The Three Kings Group, Jack Hodge and John Adger. Willcox Inn was sired by Harlan’s Holiday. After winning the Arlington Classic that was hosted in May, with a purse of $100 000, he cruised his way to victory during the $200 000 American Derby. He has had nine career starts, but seems to be growing into his abilities now, as he has delivered two flawless performances in a row.
Willcox Inn was ridden by Robby Albarado, and Albarado commented that after following Zoebear, who was setting the pace, it seemed as if the front runner just stopped unexpectedly, leaving Willcox Inn to take the lead. The rest of the field did try to bear down on them and some pressure was felt, but Willcox Inn just put his heart into the race and ended up winning the event comfortably. He was followed home by Suntracer in second position, with Derby Kitten being third.
The top three horses have automatically received an invitation to run in the 2011 Secretariat Stakes, which will be hosted on Saturday, 13 August 2011. If Willcox Inn is able to keep his performances as brilliant as they are, he could be the next horse to find himself amongst a long list of legendary horses that were able to take the Arlington Park Mid America Triple. All his connections will be supporting him in the hope that he will be able to make history next month.
