Ottoman Fleet sails to more US glory in G3 Arlington Stakes

Ottoman Fleet claimed another major North American prize with a straightforward victory in the G3 Arlington Stakes at Churchill Downs on Saturday, 1 June.

Last season’s G2 Fort Marcy Stakes scorer disputed the early running under Flavien Prat before racing freely in a close fourth behind Northern Invader, Irish Aces and Smokin’ T with a circuit to race.

Having taken third entering the back straight, Ottoman Fleet was angled out at the top of the lane and quickened past Northern Invader and Irish Aces to hit the front entering the final furlong.

Chasing The Crown attempted to close late but could not challenge the Charlie Appleby-trained five-year-old, who held on comfortably to prevail by a length in the extended-mile event.

Charlie Appleby said: “Ottoman Fleet has travelled and picked up well, so we are delighted with the result. This is a trial for the G2 Wise Dan Stakes back at Churchill Downs later in the month, and we see no reason why he shouldn’t head there next. Today’s race was a slowly run affair, whereas they might hopefully go a better gallop in the Wise Dan.”

Flavien Prat added: “The team wanted me to make sure that Ottoman Fleet had a target – it seems like he always makes a nice run and then loses focus in front. Trying to keep him covered with a target was the main goal before running them down. I don’t think the track has become soft [with the rain] but he travelled well and handled the track very well.”