Latest from Arlington: defections of The Corsican, Divisidero

Arlington's latest International Festival of Racing bulletin offered a couple of unwelcome developments -- the defections of The Corsican and Divisidero from the Arlington Million (G1) and Secretariat (G1), respectively.

Although The Corsican had just finished a troubled second in Goodwood's Glorious (G3) July 31, the timing wasn't a cause for pause. Indeed, trainer David Simcock employed a similar pattern last year with Moment in Time, who missed by a neck in the Chalice S. at Newbury only 13 days before her nightmare-trip fourth in the American St. Leger.

Unfortunately, Simcock wasn't entirely satisfied with the way The Corsican came out of his prep. So it's back to the drawing board for what would have been a prime contender.

The other five Europeans are still forecast in the Million pre-entries.

Divisidero has been ruled out of the Secretariat for a similar reason, as trainer Buff Bradley wasn't pleased with his vibe over the past week.

That's a disappointment, since I was expecting him to finish much closer to Force the Pass than he did when seventh in the Belmont Derby (G1). His prior form was also flattered in Fridat's National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame (G2) at Saratoga, where Takeover Target and A Lot ran one-two. Each had finished second to Divisidero earlier this season, in the Pennine Ridge and American Turf (G2) respectively.

Others bowing out of the Secretariat were the Europeans Canndal and Disegno, while Chad Brown's Money Multiplier is no longer expected. Ditto for World Approval, who ran fourth in the Hall of Fame.

Ballydoyle has apparently decided which three-year-old filly to dispatch to the Beverly D. (G1) -- not the previously reported Together Forever or Outstanding. Instead, Aidan O'Brien will be represented by Wedding Vow, who broke her maiden in the Kilboy Estate (G2) two back and chased home Legatissimo in last Saturday's Nassau (G1).

In other notable Million developments, Shining Copper will be added as the presumptive pacemaker for Big Blue Kitten. And The Pizza Man will cross-enter to the American St Leger (G3), but is still regarded as likely for the Million.

Photo of Arlington courtesy of Harold Roth/Horsephotos.com.