Spot Plays for 2026 Arlington Million Day

An outstanding 12-race card is on tap at Colonial Downs Saturday, highlighted by the Arlington Million (G1). I’ll be looking at that race, as well as others, with an emphasis, naturally, on the grass action.

Race 3: Maiden, 12:54 p.m. ET

First-time starter #2 Ruthie Bar (20-1) is potentially overvalued on the morning line in this six-furlong grass test. Hailing from a capable debut barn, Ruthie Bar is a full sister to a pair of grass stakes winners, Our Bay B Ruth and Pubilius Syrus.

With most of the previous starters seemingly well exposed, Ruthie Bar might offer some appeal at a price.

Race 7: Reigh Count S., 2:59 p.m. ET

#5 Illuminare (9-2) wasn’t classy enough to keep up in the True North (G3) after a slow start, but this spot looks a better fit.

The True North top three included champion Book’em Danno, Breeders’ Cup winner Bentornato, and subsequent Bing Crosby (G1) conqueror Listenupshance. No shame losing to them, and the Todd Pletcher trainee had preceded that with two solid wins, including one over this strip.

Race 9: Secretariat (G2), 4:22 p.m. ET

Although a difficult spot in which to return from a layoff dating to late November, #6 Infiltrate (10-1) showed promise prior to that absence, winning two of three starts for Brendan Walsh.

From a pedigree perspective, Infiltrate should take to the grass. His sire won this race back in 2017, while his dam has reared two stakes winners from as many offspring to race, including a Kentucky Downs scorer. Infiltrate’s works in Kentucky in preparation look fast and solid.

Race 10: Beverly D. (G2), 5:05 p.m. ET

#8 Stellify (3-1) perhaps wasn’t ready to tackle a world-class field in the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1) when last seen. At any rate, she broke slowly, encountered trouble, and still only managed to lose by five lengths.

Her form prior to that was undoubtedly strong, capped by a Grade 3 score at Kentucky Downs. Though it has taken time to get her back to the races, she remains with upside, and this might be more than just a mere prep for a potential title defense at Kentucky Downs next month.

Race 11: Arlington Million (G1), 5:52 p.m. ET

Burnham Square is the unquestionable horse to beat, but has proven himself better going longer than this 1-1/4 mile trip. In contrast, #1 Dresden Row (7-2) could be aching for a bit more than he’s been tested over this season.

A gem of consistency who has never been out of the money in 18 starts, Dresden Row caught the streaking Lagynos last time in the Wise Dan (G2) but could be in line to deliver a career performance in this spot.

Race 12: Allowance, 6:27 p.m. ET

#7 Lennox the Grey (5-1) returned from an extended layoff to just miss at this level, course and distance on July 6 in his debut for trainer Arnaud Delacour. He seemingly will move forward off that comeback and is far less exposed than most in this field of N1X eligibles.