Arlington Heights, IL (My Sportsbook) - Gio Ponti, sent off as the 3-2 favorite, overcame a stumble at the start to win Saturday's running of the 27th Arlington Million at Arlington Park. The 1 1/4 mile race is part of the Breeders' Cup "Win and You're In" program allowing Gio Ponti to gain automatic entry into the Breeders' Cup Turf this year at Santa Anita Park.

Setting the pace was speedster Presious Passion. The six-year-old gelding led by as many as 10-lengths on the turf course initially labeled as yielding. Racing in second was Gloria de Campeao followed by Einstein and Mr. Sidney in the eight-horse field.

Presious Passion, ridden by Elvis Trujillo, still had the lead going into the far turn with Mr. Sidney moving into second and Gio Ponti gaining to reach the leaders.

On the final turn Mr. Sidney was first with Gio Ponti and jockey Ramon Dominguez along side. The favorite assumed the lead coming out of the turn and began widening his lead.

Down the stretch Gio Ponti, trained by Christophe Clement, continued his drive as Stotsfold and Just as Well both rallied from off the pace. Gio Ponti posted a 1 1/4-length victory over the hard charging Just as Well with Stotsfold finishing third.

Completing the order of finish was Cima de Triomphe, Einstein, Mr. Sidney, Gloria de Campeao and Presious Passion.

Recapturetheglory, winner of the 2008 Illinois Derby, was scratched Saturday morning because trainer and co-owner Louie Roussel had indicated all week that Recapturetheglory needed to have firm ground to perform at his best.

The time for the 1 1/4 miles was 2:04.19 on an Arlington turf course listed as good.

Gio Ponti is owned by Castleton Lyons and picks up $588,000 with the victory. The four-year-old colt has won four of five starts this year for more than $1.3 million. In his career, he has banked more than $2.1 million with nine wins in 14 starts.

Gio Ponti has won four straight stakes races, including the Frank E. Kilroe and Manhattan Handicaps, and Man o' War Stakes. As a three-year-old in 2008, Gio Ponti won the Hill Prince Stakes and Virginia Derby.

Gio Ponti paid $5.00, $3.40 and $2.60. Just as Well returned $11.80 and $6.80, and Stotsfold paid $9.80 to show.