Magic Cap Stables’ Kentucky-bred Fort Washington saved his best for last, unleashing a powerful late kick to win the Arlington Million (G1) on Festival of Racing Day at Colonial Downs on Saturday, Aug. 9.
Trained by Shug McCaughey, Fort Washington outfinished Grand Sonata by half-a-length, while his stablemate Integration, who was in the mix until the final stages, finished third. Ridden by jockey Junior Alvarado, Fort Washington stopped the clock in 1:59.58 for the 1¼ miles over a firm turf course.
Settling in the rear of the field of seven, the Arlington Million winner waited patiently as Time Song led the way. Mystik Dan and Runaway Storm rated in second and third until entering the far turn. Around the bend, Integration began advancing on their outside. As Grand Sonata hugged the rail to rally, Fort Washington generated his momentum widest of all down the stretch. Integration and Grand Sonata emerged in front with a furlong to go, but Fort Washington outkicked the duo home. Mystik Dan stayed on for fourth.
Fort Washington a Newly Minted Millionaire
“I wanted to make sure he got comfortable,” Alvarado said. “He’s a tricky horse to ride sometimes. When he’s at his best, you know it right away. Today, I felt that going into the first turn. I wanted to make sure I saved enough ground so that I had a big punch at the end. When I swung out in the clearing, he finished up very strong. My horse has a powerful turn of foot.”
A newly minted millionaire, Fort Washington’s lifetime earnings now total $1,352,182 from a career record of 28-7-3-8 that now includes four graded stakes wins. The 6-year-old horse by War Front was bred in Kentucky by Joseph Allen, LLC & White Birch Farm, Inc.