The Arlington Millions, Saturday August 16th

Devoted Wildcat

Welcome back to the Pick 6 Challenge! The Summer Spectacular segment started two weeks ago, but that certainly does not mean it is too late to join. This racing segment starts on July 19th, with the opening weekend at Saratoga (featuring the Diana). The segment will finish September 27th at Belmont with the Jockey Club Gold Cup. If you are new to the game, the rules are simple. You get 15 picks to spread across 6 races. The objective is to pick the most race winners using the fewest picks. The scoring is most correct picks, followed by number of picks used, followed by winnings. The Summer Spectacular will feature many races from Saratoga and Del Mar.

If you thought this was the week to take off, you are mistaken. We have a whopping 5 Grade 1 stakes races on tap for Saturday!

Race 1: The Lake Placid Stakes.
First off we have the Lake Placid Stakes from Saratoga.  It is a small field, and My Miss Sophia will probably scratch making it 5.  good luck choosing between Minorette, Crown Queen, and Xcellence, I think any of the three could take it.

Race 2: The Secretariat Stakes.
Next up we have our first of three from Arlington park, the Secretariat Stakes. Adelaide is the most intriguing of the shippers, Tourist looks good, winner of his last 3, and Global View might have what it takes to show up, with Leparoux on top, who knows?  That guy used to know turf racing, but now I don’t know anymore.

Race 3: The Beverly D.
We stay at Arlington for the Beverly D, and our largest field of the day. There’s a lot to like in this field, and many of these ladies have raced against each other before.  Its tough to get a read on the racers from across the pond.  Just The Judge seems to be drawing some interest, and Alterite was the favorite in the Diana, but faded fast to finish 8th. Emollient was another well bet horse that faded in the Diana as well.  Somali Lemonade (Cornelio’s Pick) was the one who came out on top, and should be a favorite with Stephanie’s Kitten.  If I can get 15/1 on La Tia I’ll definitely bet a WPS on her.  There’s a lot to like in this race.

Race 4: The Alabama Stakes.
Back to Saratoga for race 4, the Alabama Stakes.  Unbridled Forever will be a factor, but Cornelio’s looking towards the outside at Stopchargingmaria and Size. Stopcharging won her last 2 and is looking in good form.  Size was looking great but scratched out of her last start.  Can these two overcome the outside post?  Got Lucky could sneak in there as well.

Race 5: The Arlington Million.
The Arlington Million has 7 entries this year, and a few are from abroad of course.  Magician seems to be a favorite, and I like Real Solution from the US to be right there as well.  Up With the Birds really surprised at Woodbine last time out, but I don’t think he will do as well this weekend.

Race 6: The Del Mar Oaks.
It wouldn’t be the Summer Spectacular without a race from Del Mar, so we have the Oaks for you this weekend. Istanford won last time out and will be a favorite to do it again, the Clement entry of Sea Queen looks great too, and you could do worse than Bejerano riding on top.  Tepin finished 2nd to Istanford and beat Mt Conquestadory last time out, we’ll see if she can improve, or drops back down into the pack. I liked Stellaris last time out, but she may not be in the same class as the others.

There you have it, 5 Grade 1’s this weekend.  Enjoy it, and good luck spreading those picks around.


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