A big day of racing will be held on Saturday at Arlington Park, with four graded runs on tap as part of Arlington Million Preview Day. The $200,000 Arlington H. (G3), which leads into the Million (G1), attracted a few nice ones hoping to move onto the feature event at this meeting a few weeks coming. Admiral Kitten bagged the 2013 Secretariat S. (G1) last campaign and will hope to get back on form in this spot. The Mike Maker-trained son of Kitten’s Joy is winless since that major tally, but loves the course and is eligible to run a big one in here.
Recent Charles Whittingham S. (G2) winner Fire with Fire has been very sharp and is peaking for conditioner Neil Drysdale, who has had success at this venue in the past. Brazilian superstar Fixador has won five straight, including four of the Group 1 variety, and looms a big contender in his U. S. debut. Grade 3 hero Kid Dreams, Chris Block’s Mister Marti Gras and possibly Louisville H. (G3) victor War Dancer, will add to the depth of this good betting race.
The $200,000 American Derby (G3) is for sophomores and leads into the Secretariat (G1), and could be another fine betting option on this card. Chris Block’s Afortable was third while favored in the Arlington Classic (G3) and needs only minor improvement to be a major factor in this one. The gray colt has trained well and will surely be part of the mix late in this turf test.
Ceisteach, a fine U. S. debut winner for conditioner Tom Proctor, might take on the boys in this one. The three-year-old filly could be any type after a dominating score on this lawn last time. Arlington Classic fourth Chief Barker, Simon Callaghan’s Craftsman and Euro import Our Chanel, are some of the names being floated for this prep race.
A fine field could be coming together for the $200,000 Modesty H. (G3), for fillies and mares hoping to progress to the Beverly D. S. (G1). Bewitch S. (G2) second Aigue Marine, recent Keertana S. runner-up Gulsary, 2013 Hatoof S. queen I O Ireland, recent allowance romper White Rose, Christophe Clement’s Irish Mission, Mike Stidham’s Every Way, local hopeful Alette and multiple stakes queen Kepi, are among the notables.
The 1 ½ miles $150,000 Stars and Stripes H. (G3) is the other graded run on the Arlington turf course this weekend.