With Velazquez Named, Better Talk Now Appears Million Bound

Edited Arlington Park release
Better Talk Now, who conquered all rivals in last fall's grade I John Deere Breeders' Cup Turf, will be ridden by last year's Eclipse Award-winning jockey John Velazquez should his owners at Bushwood Racing Partners decide to run in Saturday's grade I Arlington Million.

Two days ago, Better Talk Now was estimated to be 90% likely to run in Saturday's grade I Sword Dancer at Saratoga, but with the announced jockey change, that estimate now seems unrealistic.

With jockey Ramon Dominguez, aboard Better Talk Now in the Breeders' Cup Turf and named once again at Wednesday's post-position draw, now taken off Thursday morning in favor of Velazquez, the announced change could indicate that the Arlington Million is now more prominent on the radar screen for Better Talk Now.

Should trainer Graham Motion and Better Talk Now's owners decide to run in the Million -- showcase event of the Chicago Thoroughbred racing season -- Saturday's headline attraction will feature a rematch between the first three finishers in the Breeders' Cup Turf.

Saturday's Million morning line favorite is Ken and Sarah Ramsey's Kitten's Joy, last year's Eclipse Award-winning Male Turf Horse of the Year, who was upset by Better Talk Now when he was the runner-up in the Breeders' Cup Turf.

Mrs. John Magnier's Powerscourt, first under the wire in last year's Arlington Million before being disqualified and placed fourth, was third behind Better Talk Now and Kitten's Joy in the Breeders' Cup Turf.