Cairo Gets Acquainted With Colonial Before 'Million'
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Photo: Courtesy Darrell Wood
Cairo and jockey Ben Curtis train Aug. 6 at Colonial Downs
After arriving at Colonial Downs Aug. 3, Refai Alghraiban's classy globetrotter Cairo was on the track Aug. 6 ahead of his run in the Arlington Million Stakes (G1T) on Festival of Racing Day Aug. 9. Trainer Alice Haynes was on hand for the Irish-bred's move over the turf course.
"He's fit coming here," Haynes said. "We just gave him a two-furlong blow and let him have a look at the track so he's all set for Saturday."
Cairo was officially credited with a three-furlong work in :37 2/5 on the outer turf.
Having raced at top tracks across Ireland and England, Meydan Racecourse in Dubai, and Sha Tin in Hong Kong, the Million will be Cairo's first start in the United States.
"We took off from England, landed at JFK and quarantined there before (coming to Colonial Downs)," Haynes said. "He's a seasoned traveler—he loves it. Another stamp for his passport."
Exiting an impressive third last out in the Queen Anne Stakes (G1) at Royal Ascot June 17, Cairo has made six starts since Dec. 20, 2024, when he finished second in the Al Rashidiya (G2T), one of four events he participated in over the winter at Meydan.
Cairo (middle) finishes third in the Queen Anne Stakes at Ascot Racecourse
Bred in Ireland by Coolmore, Cairo rolled out three wins in his first five starts. The 5-year-old's career record includes six group placings and a win in the 2022 Killavullan Stakes (G3).
Going 1 1/4 miles over the turf, the Arlington Million attracted a field of eight older males. Made 7-2 in the morning line, Cairo will take on an accomplished group, which includes last year's Million runner-up, Integration ; Mystik Dan , whose resume includes a win in the 2024 Kentucky Derby (G1) and $4,467,120 lifetime earnings; and multiple graded stakes winner Grand Sonata who has amassed $2,244,935 in career earnings for trainer Todd Pletcher.
"Look, you've got the Kentucky Derby winner who has never been on the turf, so you never know," Haynes said. "The favorite, Integration, looks a tough one to beat, but we're here to take our chance."
Known for putting himself into the race soon out of the gate, Cairo waited patiently near the rear before making one run in the Queen Anne.
"It looks like there will be a nice pace set, so we'll plan to sit behind the leaders," Haynes said.
Colonial Downs' reigning titleholder and current meet-leading jockey Ben Curtis takes the call and will guide Cairo from post 5.