Belgian Bill backed for American dream by trainer George Baker
Wednesday 5 August 2015 14:18, UK
Trainer George Baker is ready "press the gamble button" and allow stable stalwart Belgian Bill to travel to America for a tilt at the Arlington Million on Saturday week.
Following a successful winter campaign at the Dubai Carnival, the seven-year-old disappointed on his return to Britain in the Lincoln at Doncaster in late March, but proved he is no back number on his first start since when a clear second in the Betfred Mile at Goodwood last week.
Baker admits his charge will face a far stiffer task in Chicago, but is keen to give it a go with a horse clearly in the form of his life.
Baker said: "He ran a fantastic race last week and we couldn't have been more delighted with him.
"I suppose it was a good thing he was beaten three-quarters of a length rather than a nose, as then you'd have been wondering 'what if'.
"As it was he was beaten fair and square, but they've pulled nicely clear of the rest and we'll stick him on the plane to Chicago on Saturday.
"He's got a new rating of 107 - a career-high mark - which seems remarkable for a seven-year-old that has been around the block like he has.
"He'll probably be a 66-1 shot in the Arlington Million, but he loves to travel, as we know from his previous trips to Dubai and Turkey and we're keen to give it a go.
"There's prize-money down to sixth and we receive a nice travel allowance to take him out there, so it is almost a free shot.
"He probably doesn't have many miles left on the clock and he has adventurous owners who like to press the gamble button, so we'll swing the bat and see what happens."
