It is MILLION Day !!

We've waited all summer for this day.  Today is the 28th running of the Arlington Million on one of the most beautiful Turf courses in the world.  We had a little rain last night here in the Chicago area putting a little moisture in a somewhat parched Turf course.  This should make for some exciting Turf races as there will be eleven Turf races on the twelve race card. 

Arlington Park Race 4 {1 1/16 mile~Turf~3 year old Up~Allowance Optional Claiming}
This race has such a talented field of nine horses it really could be a stakes race.  Giant Oak (Torres / Block) has a slight edge with the highest last out speed number over a longer route and two strong workouts.  He is a big lumbering fellow that must be put to a close at the right time and in no traffic to get the victory.  Hopefully, jockey, Francisco Torres can get his motor running.  Gran Estrano [ARG] (Baird / Stidham) is coming off a sixty day rest.  He has the talent to pull off the victory with the second highest last out speed number, a three race progression, and three athletic workouts.  Recapturetheglory (Castanon / Roussel) looks ready to tackle this field with the third highest last out speed number, a two race progression, and two solid workouts.  Open Outcry (Baze / Catalano) could surprise with a couple of decent last out speed numbers, a six race progression, and one fiery workout.  Exchanging Kisses (Karlsson / Miller) should be in the mix with the highest speed number over the distance and two sinewy workouts.  Let's play the Turf on Million Day at Arlington Park.

$2 WIN / SHOW:  #3 Giant Oak.
$2 SHOW:  #4 Gran Estrano [ARG].
10 CENT Superfecta:  #3 Giant Oak / #4 Gran Estrano [ARG] / #1 Recapturetheglory / #6 Open Outcry, #7 Exchanging Kisses.

Arlington Park Race 10 {The Arlington MILLION~G1~1 1/4 mile~Turf~3 year old Up~Stakes}
A superbly talented field of ten will go to the gate in the 28th running of the Arlington Million.  Defending champ Gio Ponti (Dominguez / Clement) looks well prepared to defend his title with nearly the highest last out speed number and two fantastic workouts.

The European invaders have high "racing post" speed numbers which can be considered equivalent to the North American speed numbers relative to the horse in this race. Do not discount any of the Euros on the MILLION undercard as they had a very successful foray last year during this International Festival of Racing.
 
Rahystrada (Karlsson / Hughes) will challenge Gio Ponti with the second highest last out  American speed number, a two race progression, and two sturdy, peaking workouts.  Tazeez (Hills / Gosden) has superior "Racing Post" speed numbers and appears to be the speed in this race. Tazeez is the one Euro that could pull the upset.  Debussy [IRE] (Buick / Gosden) cannot be overlooked with solid "Racing Post" speed numbers and three wins at this turf distance over six races for a 50% win record.  Summit Surge [IRE] (Fallon / Cumani) will be in the hunt with strong "Racing Post" speed numbers, a three race progression, and seven career victories.  Let's play the MILLION at beautiful Arlington Park.

$2 WIN:  #6 Gio Ponti.
$2 SHOW:  #9 Tazeez.
$2 SHOW:  #2 Debussy [IRE].
10 CENT Superfecta:  #6 Gio Ponti / #7 Rahystrada, #9 Tazeez / #7, #9, #2 Debussy [IRE], #10 Summit Surge [IRE] / #7, #9, #2, #10.
















Friday's Results
Monmouth Park R8.  Our first pick, Red Elephant, was scratched, but his coupled entry, They Call Me Giant, won (1st) for show money of $2.20.  Our second pick, Silver King, finished 6th.  Superfecta went 1-4-9-11.
Arlington Park R5.  Our first pick, Mining for Silver, finished 4th.  Our second pick, That I Am, finished 9th.  Superfecta went 4-10-3-8.
Bankroll drops to $4.90.  We will supplement it with $10.00 for today's races.