Pine Dance will bid to plunder another big American prize when he lines up for the US400,000 Secretariat Stakes at Arlington Park on Saturday.
The Dermot Weld-trained three-year-old landed the Grade Two American Derby on his last visit to the Chicago track on July 23rd when he comfortably defeated John Gosden`s Hymn by a length and a half in a four-runner field.
However, Pine Dance faces a tougher test in Saturday`s Grade One contest with local hope King Cugat, who won the Grade Two Arlington Classic at the beginning of last month, bidding to complete a four-timer.
'Pine Dance runs in the Secretariat and Eddie Ahern rides,' Weld said this morning.
'It`s not going to be easy - it`s a smashing race - a real Grade One. Not only have you got the top American turf horse (King Cugat) but I believe Aidan (O`Brien) is going to run Ciro with Mick Kinane likely to go over to ride him.
'But our fellow is well and he runs.'
Pine Ridge is due to travel to the United Statestomorrow.
Pine Dance and Ciro will be joined in the line-up for the Secretariat by Gerard Butler`s Sagitta 2000 Guineas fifth Compton Bolter.
A spokesman for Butler said: 'Compton Bolter runs in America. He left this morning.'
Weld, who last week became the winning-most Irish trainer, was also satisfied with Grand Finale`s successful return to action at Leopardstown on Sunday.
The Sadler`s Wells colt - the only horse to beat dual-Derby winner Sinndar - took the Listed Ballyroan Stakes by half a length from Palace Royale on his first start for nearly four months.
'I was pleased with him at Leopardstown,' Weld said. 'It`s taken a bit of time to get him right but we have him right now.
'I`ll have to speak to Mr Wetzel (the owner) before we make any plans for him.'
