ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. (AP) — Gio Ponti and Cape Blanco will renew their rivalry at the Arlington Million, with Gio Ponti looking to become the second two-time winner in the race’s 29-year history.
Cape Blanco defeated Gio Ponti by 214 lengths in the Man O’ War turf race July 9 at Belmont Park and was installed as the 9-5 morning line favorite in the 10-horse field for the 114-mile race for 3-year-olds and up to be run over the turf course Saturday.
The 6-year-old Gio Ponti is a 2-1 choice, having won the 2009 race and narrowly losing at the wire last year to Debussy. Hall of Famer John Henry captured the 1981 and 1984 races.
The 4-year-old Cape Blanco is trained by Aidan O’Brien and will be ridden by Jamie Spencer. Ramon Dominguez mounts the Christophe Clement-trained Gio Ponti.
