Ottoman Fleet scores in the Arlington (Jenny Doyle/Past The Wire)
Churchill Downs Press Release
LOUISVILLE, Ky.— Godolphin’s Ottoman Fleet (GB) from the international powerhouse stable of trainer Charlie Appleby charged down the stretch over Churchill Downs’ Matt Winn Turf Course with an authoritative late kick to score a one-length victory over Chasing the Crown in Saturday’s 88th running of the $258,750 Arlington Stakes (Grade III).
A multiple graded stakes winner in England and the United States, Ottoman Fleet (GB) ran 1 1/16 miles on “firm” turf in 1:41.45 under jockey Flavien Prat to record his fourth graded stakes triumph. Last year, he won the Group 3 Earl of Sefton at Newmarket and $200,000 Fort Marcy (GII) at Belmont. In April, he defended his title in the Earl of Sefton but ran second last time out in the Fort Marcy, a neck back of Master Piece (CHI).
Ottoman Fleet (GB) earned $153,450 for Saturday’s victory and improved his record to 6-5-5 in 18 starts with earnings of $812,507.
Northern Invader found himself on the lead when Emmanuel was squeezed at the start. He led the way through modest fractions of :24.48, :48.16 and 1:11.87 with Ottoman Fleet (GB) tracking about two lengths off the lead down along the inside rail. Leaving the far turn, Irish Aces drew even with Northern Invader as Ottoman Fleet (GB) tipped out to the three-path for his late run. Ottoman Fleet (GB) caught the duo with a furlong to run and comfortably inched clear late to turn back Chasing the Crown.
“In his last start, he closed very strongly late going the mile-and-an-eighth distance in New York,” Prat said. “A lot of his prior races you could see he liked to lay closer to the pace. He traveled really nicely around the turn and down the backstretch. He had a really strong kick turning for home.”
Ottoman Fleet (GB), off as the even-money favorite, paid $4.16, $2.88 and $2.16. Chasing the Crown, the 3-1 second betting choice under Joel Rosario, returned $4.56 and $3.10. Irish Aces was another length back in third under Luis Saez at odds of 15-1 and paid $4.38 to show.
Northern Invader, Smokin’ T and Emmanuel completed the running order. Stitched and Harlan Estate were scratched.
Ottoman Fleet (GB), a 5-year-old gelded son of Sea the Stars (IRE) out of the Motivator (GB) mare Innevera (FR), was bred in Great Britain by SCEA Marmion Vauville and Alain Jathiere.
