Spirit One, bred and based in France, won the 26th running of the Arlington Million, leading from start to finish for an upset victory over an international field of seven on firm turf at Arlington Park. Spirit One, a 4-year-old colt who paid $29.40 to win, soon will follow and return to France. But trainer Philippe Demercastel said Spirit One probably will be back in the United States for the $3 million Breeders’ Cup Turf on Oct. 25 at Santa Anita in Arcadia, Calif.

Spirit One earned an automatic starting berth in the Breeders’ Cup Turf by winning the Arlington Million. Demercastel, speaking through an interpreter, said he had heard about this perk given to the winner of the Million but wasn’t certain until hearing it confirmed after the race.