Two of the best races this year

[illinione]

seem to be ignored. 2 huge races. Arlington Million will have Cape Blanco, perhaps Europe's best turf horse, against Gio Ponti, in a rematch. The other european invaders are nearly as good as Cape Blanco. I don't think any of the other American Horses are in this class, but we will see. I think Mission Approved is in it as well, who is a pretty good horse, and gives the Americans some hope ... can set a good pace.

The Secretariat features, arguably, the best European 3 year old.

There is also the Beverly, the grade 1 fillie turf race which has a good field for betting.

I am lost as to why no attention is being paid to these races at Arlington ....

[Some_One]

The Million has a lost a little bit of lustre I think worldwide, the only reason why Blanco is here is that he can't cut it in Europe right now (and maybe needs the lasix), the 3yr olds that came over are quite impressive, and that is because Europe doesn't have 3yr old races like this at this stage of the season (by now they have to face open competition or sink)

[sonnyp]

are they being televised ? i haven't heard or seen any commercials.
has arlington's publicity dept. dropped the ball ?


NBC and versus are commited to the weekends at saratoga.

[illinione]

Believe it or not, its on WGN.

Treasure Beach is the european invader for the Secretariat, but I really think he could be beaten by Willcox Inn. Willcox Inn beat Animal Kingdom in their first race as 2 year olds in an Arlington MSW last September. I can tell you that Willcox Inn is back in form; I've seen him twice this year, and he has looked great.

Banned is also a pretty good horse.

[illinione]

BTW, if the Governor signs the gambling bill before him, slots will be at the track, and Arlington should move back up the ladder. If he vetoes it, it will be back to eat what you kill, and it will be a major setback.

Arlington Park is great for American racing, imo. The turf racing is among the best the USA offers, and it can stay that way if the bill is signed. Again, Arlington can attract some of Europe's best, and gives us a chance to see horses that otherwise wouldn't cross the pond.

[Some_One]

Treasure Beach's weakness seems to be wet turf, that'll be the key

GD or GF
1-2 (English Derby)-1-1-1-2

Wet turf
4-3-2

[illinione]

I agree about Treasure Beach. FWIW, the forecast is no rain this week.

Willcox Inn is 9-2 morning line.

[sonnyp]

i don't think WGN is doing a lot to promote them.

a little off topic: i trained horses for arnie harris, director/producer for WGN SPORTS back when jack brickhouse and milo hamilton where doin the cub games.

[olddaddy]

As far as I can see, WGN is having just a 1/2 hour program for The Million. Too bad the Secretariat and Beverly D isnt part of the program.

[Edward DeVere]

I am lost as to why no attention is being paid to these races at Arlington ....

If I've seen Gio Ponti finish second once, I've seen it a million times.

Or at least seven of his last twelve races. Yawn.

[gm10]

Racing UK is dedicating a whole evening to the Arlington International Festival this year.

[the little guy]

seem to be ignored. 2 huge races. Arlington Million will have Cape Blanco, perhaps Europe's best turf horse, against Gio Ponti, in a rematch. The other european invaders are nearly as good as Cape Blanco. I don't think any of the other American Horses are in this class, but we will see. I think Mission Approved is in it as well, who is a pretty good horse, and gives the Americans some hope ... can set a good pace.

The Secretariat features, arguably, the best European 3 year old.

There is also the Beverly, the grade 1 fillie turf race which has a good field for betting.

I am lost as to why no attention is being paid to these races at Arlington ....


I'm surprised Frankel's participation isn't getting more attention. I just hate it when horses run under aliases.

[NTamm1215]

I'm surprised Frankel's participation isn't getting more attention. I just hate it when horses run under aliases.

Pour Moi is also upset. It's not like he's beaten Treasure Beach or anything...

[illinione]

Yeah, Pour Moi beat Treasure Beach by a few inches. If that is your standard then its the better horse.

If they meet today, I believe Treasure Beach wins. Just my humble opinion.

[Striker]

BTW, if the Governor signs the gambling bill before him, slots will be at the track, and Arlington should move back up the ladder. If he vetoes it, it will be back to eat what you kill, and it will be a major setback.

Arlington Park is great for American racing, imo. The turf racing is among the best the USA offers, and it can stay that way if the bill is signed. Again, Arlington can attract some of Europe's best, and gives us a chance to see horses that otherwise wouldn't cross the pond.
The casino money that was supposed to be divided up among the illinois tracks and has been in litigation for 5 years now was released yesterday, so this should help them somewhat with purses.

[Valuist]

I agree about Treasure Beach. FWIW, the forecast is no rain this week.

Willcox Inn is 9-2 morning line.

40% chance of rain on Saturday.

[illinione]

That casino money, hopefully, will help Illinois racing. I for one think Arlington is one of the nicest tracks in the world.

However, neigboring states Iowa and Indiana (not to mention all the others) get the casino money. Not to come off as an elitist, but I don't think Hoosier Park or Prairie Meadows should be considered in the same class as Arlington, but if you look at the purses, they are getting closer.

If the governor signs the gambling bill, Arlington should be back in business. Meanwhile, I am just going to enjoy Saturday.

[illinione]

Damn ..... thunderstorms forecast for all day tomorrow.

[Striker]

The Grade 1's will all stay on the turf unless it is a monsoon.

[olddaddy]

Watching the weather reports here, I wouldn't be surprised to see all grass races prior to The Secretariat to be taken off the turf.

[Some_One]

On Betfair, some people have already taken 6/5 to 8/5 on Treasure Beach already. In the big one, Blanco is around 2-1 and Ponti 4-1 right now.

[illinione]

Just got back. Horrible weather, but some optimism with AP receiving about 70 million from the legislature.

As for the races, chalk. I went with Treasure Beach and Cape Blanco. I won, but paid very little.

A couple points. Gio Ponti is declining. Finished 2d, but was not in the same league with CB.

Second, Ziyarid in the Secretariat was an absolute monster. Absolutely set the pace, and fought incedibly tough with TB down the stretch. I knew nothing about the horse, but he ran a great race. Its worth checking out on you tube.

Finally, biggest disapointment for me was Cheetah. I know she was in a G3 last time, but I bought into the hype.