The International Festival of Racing at Arlington Park is here!
By Susanne Reardon
Editor in Chief
August 9, 2011 - Chicago, IL
A fun time was had by all at the Chicago studios of WGN-TV on Aug. 9 as.
post position draws for the biggest day in racing in the Midwest at Arlington Park were held.
WGN’s Dan Roan and longtime Chicago sportscaster Howard Sudberry will provide live coverage to this international meet-up of equine superstars. The inclusion of WGN America will make available the three Grade 1 grass races to 27 million viewers.
29th Arlington Million
In post position order, here are my comments.
1. Rahystrada, who finished 4th last year, knows the course and likes a cut in the ground. Morning line: 12-1 don’t discount .
2. Tajaweed, who has come into better form since his outing in the 2010 Million. Stable confident, local with a shot at 12-1.
3. Dean’s Kitten, has the breeding but hasn’t shown the ability to win. 30-1, appropriate.
4. Zack Hall, a French distance specialist that fancies soft ground, at 10-1 he’s worth a look.
5. Gio Ponti, 2009 Million winner and runner up last year, matches up against Cape Blanco again. And the winner is . . . ? 2-1
6. Proceed Bee, well, if it were a spelling bee I’d have a look, but looking elsewhere. 50-1
7. Cape Blanco, 9-5 favorite. Doubt the O’Brien import will disappoint. Bested Gio Ponti in the Man O’War; rematch anticipated. May the best horse win.
8. Mission Approved. Well trained, adores soft turf. Let the bettor be aware at 6-1. (Editor-In-Chief’s thumbs up, across the board!)
9. Wigmore Hall, 2nd 2010 Secretariat, returns with the big boys. English phenom Hayley Turner aboard. 8-1 and well worth a look, at least at the jockey!
10. General Perfect, 50-1. Let the buyer beware. Price says it all.
22nd Beverly D $750,000 purse
1. Stacelita, looks like miss with the most in the most competitive of the three races. 3-1 favorite.
2. Check the Label, Grade 1 winner belongs to Barbaro’s owners. 20-1 odds enticing for longshot fanciers.
3. Fantasia, blue-blooded mare faring well in high class company. A bargain at 6-1?
4, Upperline, won last on synthetic surface but took 2010 Arlington Oaks on turf. 20-1 longshot no pushover.
5, Dubawai Heights, what’s not to like about filly who has won four straight in California? Bargain priced at 10-1.
6. River Jetez. An international shipper, runs often with the boys in Europe chasing her. My personal pick.4-1.
7. Cheetah, Gio Ponti’s trainer, Christophe Clemente, saddles her. At 9-2, I like her more than the ‘big guy.’
8. Pachattack, powerful on Polytrack but this is turf. 10-1 odds
9. E’claire de Lune, Mr. D’s 2010 winner faces much tougher. 12-1 odds reflect current form.
10. Romin Robin, a local damsel that ran 2nd to Fantasia in prep. At 30-1, worth a look!
11. Never Retreat, honest mare that always shows up, nice outing last at Woodbine. 10-1 reflects competition.
Secretariat Stakes $400,000 purse
1, Newsdad, a possible headline story. Trainer Bill Mott is due. 10-1.
2. Ziyarid, Aga Kahn’s horse won last three in France; great post. Could be big surprise at 10-1.
3. Treasure Beach, possibly the classiest Secretariat candidate ever. 2-1 odds seem high.
4, Crimson China, reportedly he will scratch to run at Saratoga. 15-1.
5, Casino Host, hot trainer, Chad Brown, has high hopes. 8-1 a must use.
6. Sun Tracer, Arlington form favorable. 15-1 but his sire, Kitten’s Joy, won the Million. Not a throw away.
7. Banned, trainer Tom Proctor, sky high on son of Kitten’s Joy. Last four stellar efforts land him 3-1 odds. A pick.
8. Derby Kitten, another son of Kitten’s Joy but seemingly not a chip off the old block. 15-1 odds.
9. Willcox Inn. Trainer Mike Stidham’s 9-2 third choice. Talented individual, goes for the Mid-America triple. Co-Owner Marty Nixon poised for champagne toast.
10. L’Aiglon. Claimer in stakes debut at 50-1. Enough said.