Arlington Festival of Racing Grade 1 Selections

By Bob Hill
TSV Staff Writer —-

Race 9 – Grade 1 Secretariat

The Secretariat looks to be a battle between Analyze It (9) and Hunting Horn (13) for which one get his first Grade 1 victory. Trained by Chad Brown, Analyze It has been in the exacta in all five life-time starts. Hunting Horn, trained by Aidan O’Brien, finished third, one spot behind Analyze It in the most recent start for both colts. The post position favors Analyze It, and that circumstance may just be the determining factor in the race.

Others with a chance to at least hit the board include Real Story (1), Platinum Warrior (2), Ming (6), Captivating Moon (7), Untamed Domain (8), Sniper Kitten (10) and Lucius Tiberius (12). Top local handler Chris Block trains Captivating Moon who offers juicy 20-1 morning line odds, as does another local entry, Real Story. They are worth plays because of the value they offer.

My Picks: 9-7-13-2

Race 10 – Grade 1 Beverly D

Chad Brown has four entries in the Beverly D, including M/L favorite Sistercharlie (3) listed at 9-5. This Irish-bred filly has been in the exacta in 8 of 9 starts. In her last three starts, however, she has finished second twice to stablemate Fourstar Crook (7) who is listed at M/L odds of 9-2.

The second favorite on the M/L is Aidan O’Brien-trainee Athena (9), winner of the Grade 1 Belmont Oaks last month. Fourstar Crook often closes from the clouds which is infinitely exciting to watch but hard on the nerves if you have bet her to win.

The stretch run of this race should be scintillating Others to consider for a spot in the superfecta include Daddys Lil Darling (1), Irish-bred Nyaleti (2), and another Chad Brown entry Inflexibility (8).

Race 11 – Grade 1 Arlington Million

Many handicappers have stated that the Million is Oscar Performance’s (11) race to lose. The far outside post position speaks to being cautious about one’s enthusiasm for him, but the other markers all point upward for him. He won the Secretariat on this surface last year, he is two for two at the distance, and he looked quite fit in his warm-up race.

The horse I most like to spring an upset is the Chilean-bred Robert Bruce (10) out of the Chad Brown barn. His only loss came last time out in a blanket finish in the Grade 1 Manhattan where he encountered some bumping during his stretch run.

Spring Quality (2), trained by Graham Motion, was the winner of the above-mentioned Manhattan, and he poses a genuine threat in this race. One cannot like Robert Bruce and ignore Spring Quality.

Several handicappers have given the nod to Century Dream (5) to spring an upset at M/L odds of 12-1. His near miss in the Group 1 Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot in June fuels their enthusiasm for him.

Deauville (9), another O’Brien trainee, has led the last two Arlington Millions only to be caught at the wire. Ignore him at your peril at M/L odds of 6-1.

My Picks: 10-5-11-2-9