Arlington Million preview

Jeremy Noseda admits Grandeur will need some luck if he is to triumph in Saturday's Arlington Million in Chicago.

The four-year-old has had the 10-furlong heat on his agenda since the start of the season after making a big impact on the American scene at the backend of last year, winning a supporting event at the Breeders' Cup before finishing second in the Hollywood Derby and triumphing in a Grade Two contest.

Grandeur has warmed up for this Grade One assignment with satisfactory outings at Newmarket and York, but being drawn widest of all 13 runners is far from ideal, according to Noseda.

"This has been Grandeur's target since late last year. I am delighted with him and can't believe that he could be approaching the race in any better shape," he told www.jeremynoseda.com

"The weather is forecast is good and the ground ideal for him. Unfortunately, his draw is 13 of 13, which on an American oval is not ideal. So, we are going to have to rely on racing luck and a top-flight ride from William Buick."

Buick, who won the race for John Gosden on Debussy in 2010, wrote in his At The Races blog: "Draw apart, I couldn't be happier with Grandeur. I gave him a spin on Newmarket's July course over seven furlongs last Friday and he felt really good. We just need a bit a luck and the sun to keep shining in Chicago."

Grandeur is one of five British-trained runners in the race long with Saeed bin Suroor's Hunter's Light, the Andrew Balding-trained Side Glance, Jane Chapple-Hyam's Mull Of Killough and Guest Of Honour from the yard of Marco Botti.

Saeed bin Suroor, the trainer of Hunter's Light, believes Grandeur is still the one to beat, despite his draw.

"Hunter's Light has pleased me so far, I've just got to America and he looks well," he said.

"He's not got a bad draw and he's a very honest horse, but this is a very tough race.

"I think Jeremy Noseda's horse (Grandeur) is the one to beat but he hasn't got a good draw so that might make it tougher. There are quality horses all through the race.

"Our horse always tries his best and ran well in Germany last time out."

Guest Of Honour is taking a big leap in class after winning a Listed race at Windsor and finishing third in the Summer Mile at Ascot, when Mull Of Killough was second.

Botti's wife and assistant Lucie told www.arlingtonpark.com: "He's a late maturing horse. After he won his Listed race this year, we gave him a break with a late campaign in mind.

"It's a step up, but he's run his races well and we think he should stay (the distance).

"It's his first big journey. We were a little bit disappointed it came up tough, but I believe he fits. He's very much still a young horse - that's why we've tried to keep him fresh and also expect a big campaign next year.

"It's a big step, but I think he's ready."

Last year's winner Little Mike leads the home contingent as he defends his title, while Richard Mandella's South American recruit Indy Point has attracted plenty of attention.

South African Mike de Kock saddles The Apache in the race.