Colonial Downs Inherits Arlington Park Stakes Pair, Saturday Picks

The Saturday card from Colonial Downs features a pair of graded stakes races. Both are inherited from the closure of Arlington Park by Churchill Downs Inc.

Graded Stakes

The Beverly D and Arlington Million stakes races stand as iconic fixtures in the world of thoroughbred horse racing, gracing the historic Arlington International Racecourse in Arlington Heights, Illinois.

Beverly D

The Beverly D Stakes, named in honor of the late wife of Arlington’s founder Richard Duchossois, commenced in 1987 as a turf race for fillies and mares. This Grade 1 event rapidly ascended to international prominence, drawing elite competitors from around the globe.

Renowned for its competitive depth and prestigious status, the Beverly D has become a destination for top turf fillies and mares seeking fame and a significant purse. More importantly it features automatic entry to the Breeders’ Cup in November.

Arlington Million

The Arlington Million, inaugurated in 1981, was the first race in history to offer a purse of one million dollars. Aptly dubbed “The Million,” it quickly established itself as a premier turf race, attracting elite international turf horses. The race’s storied history is marked by thrilling finishes, memorable moments, and unforgettable champions.

New Venue

Both races have consistently showcased the best of international turf racing, drawing fans, owners, trainers, and jockeys alike to the picturesque Arlington International Racecourse.

Despite the sale, closure and demolition of the Arlington Park race track, these races will look to carry on their tradition at Colonial Downs. The track is renowned for its quality turf course which should make for a great day of racing.

Full Card Analysis

Colonial Downs- 1

Post: 1:30 PM ET; $40k Starter Optional Claiming going 5 1/2 f on turf; Entries: 9

• The top selection goes to #3 Z FIRST (7-5). She shouldn’t have any trouble with the distance as she’s from the Klesaris barn, with Sanchez in the irons.
• #9 MOOR STRENGTH (30-1), a price horse, feels like a fringe contender. She’s in really good form and should be in the second tier, looking for a well-timed run at the leaders.
• #6 BAHAMIAN MOON (12-1), another price horse, isn’t without hope. She’s got the ability to beat this group, especially with the combination of Bowersock and Boyce.
• #8 TREVESS (8-1) is a contender as well, fitting well in this field.

Selections: 3 – 9 – 6 – 8

Colonial Downs- 2

Post: 2:00 PM ET; $60k Maiden Special Weight going 1 1/16 m on turf; Entries: 9

• The top pick is #3 THE MYTH (7-2), expected to improve off the first start. She’s got the quality to beat this group, with a strong closing kick for a potential victory.
• #1 YATTA (5-2) should improve too and is a strong choice to put underneath on most tickets. She might pose a dangerous threat if she gets loose on the front end.
• #9 LIAM’S MESSAGE (9-2) is a solid contender with the combination of Gutierrez and Ruiz.
• #4 BEYOND OSCAR (5-1) should also improve and looks to compete for the minor placings, especially with Casse and Castellano in the mix.

Selections: 3 – 1 – 9 – 4

Colonial Downs- 3

Post: 2:30 PM ET; $60k Maiden Special Weight going 1 1/8 m on turf; Entries: 8

• The leading choice is #7 BILOXI BLUES (6-1), respected with the Mcgaughey and Cheminaud combination.
• #1 HEAVENLY APPOINTED (5-2) appears to be a major player, representing the Motion barn with Velazquez in the irons.
• #5 HECKLED (6-5) is the class of the field, making her a strong contender.
• #4 DETERMINED FIRST (8-1) has potential too, looking to improve off the first start, and with the Schoenthal barn and Carrasco on board.

Selections: 7 – 1 – 5 – 4

Colonial Downs- 4

Post: 3:00 PM ET; $60k Maiden Special Weight going 1 1/16 m on turf; Entries: 8

• The top selection is #8 VINTAGE YEAR (5-1), coming into the race in great form with the combination of Fisher and Boyce.
• #3 INTEGRATION (3-1) debuts here as a major player, going out for the Mcgaughey barn with Gaffalione in the irons.
• #2 KING COVEE (2-1) is competitive, boasting races strong enough to beat this group. With a pedigree suggesting major potential, he’s one to watch.
• #1 UTAH BEACH (9-2) debuts as a fringe contender, looking to make an impact with the Correas barn and Cheminaud on board.

Selections: 8 – 3 – 2 – 1

Colonial Downs- 5

Post: 3:30 PM ET; $70k Allowance Optional Claiming going 1 1/8 m on turf; Entries: 12

• The top pick is #5 BODECREAM (10-1), a price horse coming into the race in excellent form. With tactical speed, she can stay close to the leaders and make a timely move.
• #6 KAZAN (5-2) is a solid choice to put underneath on most tickets, boasting races strong enough for this group.
• #4 TOLAGA BAY (30-1), another price horse, is worth considering. He may have a lot to do in the lane, but a competitive run could put him in the mix, especially given the early pace figures in this race.
• #12 CARRONADE (3-1) is projected to sit mid-pack and come with one run, making him a contender too.

Selections: 5 – 6 – 4 – 12

Colonial Downs- 6

Post: 4:03 PM ET; $80k Allowance Optional Claiming going 1 1/16 m on turf; Entries: 8

• The top choice goes to #1 FORT WASHINGTON (2-1), the class of the field with the highest overall power rating.
• #2 ALEX JOON (7-2) is a major player, poised to make a well-timed run at the leaders from the second tier.
• #8 GLIDER (5-2) has hope, fitting well enough here, and projected to sit mid-pack and come with one run.
• #5 NO ONE TO BLAME (10-1), a price horse, isn’t without a chance, especially with Trombetta and Karamanos in the mix.

Selections: 1 – 2 – 8 – 5

Colonial Downs- 7

Post: 4:38 PM ET; $100k Handicap going 7 f on dirt; Entries: 6

• The top selection goes to #1 BOUNCER (8-5), with the top overall power rating and the ability to beat this group.
• #4 TOP RECRUIT (7-2) is a strong player, making sense on speed figures, especially in a race lacking a ton of front-running speed.
• #6 FROSTED DEPARTURE (6-5) is a competitive choice, expected to make a well-timed run from the second tier, possibly threatening to get loose on the front end.
• #5 ON THE MARK (30-1) is a price horse, making sense on speed figures and could be a consideration for underneath on most tickets.

Selections: 1 – 4 – 6 – 5

Colonial Downs- 8

Post: 5:14 PM ET; $500k Secretariat S. going 1 m on turf; Entries: 8

• The top pick is #6 MAJOR DUDE (6-1), respected with the combination of Pletcher and Gaffalione. He’s been solid in recent starts and ready for a big performance.
• #3 NAGIRROC (5-2) should be competitive, not having trouble with the distance and boasting races strong enough for this group.
• #1 SILVER KNOTT (3-1) is another competitive option, making sense on speed figures and showing solid recent form.
• #4 MO STASH (5-1) is projected to compete for the minor placings, given the pace scenario in this contest.

Selections: 6 – 3 – 1 – 4

Colonial Downs- 9

Post: 5:55 PM ET; $500k Beverly D. S. going 1 3/16 m on turf; Entries: 7

• The leading choice goes to #5 DIDIA (3-1), handling these conditions well in previous starts. She’s projected to sit mid-pack and come with one run.
• #1 FEV ROVER (2-1) is a major player, boasting races strong enough to beat this group and fitting well in this field.
• #4 MISE EN SCENE (8-1) is a competitive option, making sense on speed figures and projected to sit mid-pack and come with one run.
• #7 ROCKY SKY (6-1), a fringe contender, has shown she can handle these conditions and has been solid recently, making her ready for a big run.

Selections: 5 – 1 – 4 – 7

Colonial Downs- 10

Post: 6:40 PM ET; $1000k Arlington Million S. going 1 1/4 m on turf; Entries: 11

• The top selection goes to #3 SET PIECE (6-1), boasting the top overall power rating in the group.
• #4 ATONE (7-2) is another strong choice, having been solid in recent starts and ready for a big performance.
• #5 ROCKEMPEROR (5-1) is a major player in this race, showing strong recent form, and going out for the Brown barn with Velazquez in the irons.
• #2 NEVER EXPLAIN (6-1) should also be a contender, not having trouble with the distance.

Selections: 3 – 4 – 5 – 2

Colonial Downs- 11

Post: 7:10 PM ET; $70k Allowance Optional Claiming going 1 1/16 m on turf; Entries: 12

• The top pick goes to #11 FISH MOONEY (4-1), the class of the field with races strong enough to beat this group.
• #8 GALILEI (6-1) is a major player, fitting well enough in this field, and possibly benefiting from a hot pace up front.
• #9 TEQUILERA (5-1) is competitive, fitting well in this field, and has proven she can handle these conditions in previous starts.
• #4 WATCH THIS BIRDIE (5-1) isn’t without hope, making her a consideration for this race.

Selections: 11 – 8 – 9 – 4

More Betting News Horse Racing Coverage

Betting News has your weekend covered with full analysis off all the big races on Saturday. Check out our coverage of the Minnesota Oaks and Derby (Canterbury Park), the Grade 2 Yellow Ribbon Handicap (Del Mar), and the Grade 1 Fourstardave (Saratoga).