Free Selections / Arlington Million Card / Saturday 8-17-2013

by Ed Meyer

posted on August 16, 2013 in Free Picks and Tips, Handicapping, Horse Racing, WinningPonies.com | 1 Comment >>

I have always loved Chicago. There is something about the city that just grabs you in a bear hug and doesn’t let go. This weekend brings back some fond memories of great food, good times, and incredible racing. As Arlington Park gets ready to kick off the 31st edition of one of my favorite races, there is only one thing left to do… Get busy handicapping as it is almost post time!

 

Arlington Park

The weather is slated to 84 degrees, and clear for the races.

 

Race #6 – The $75,000 Hatoof Stakes – 1 1/16 on the turf – 4:21 p.m. ET

#10 – Liz Pendens (9-2) = Joel Rosario in the irons for Mike Stidham. A speedy filly who was a beaten favorite last out. The barn comes back to score 21% on this move, and she is 2/2 ITM on the AP green. Rosario is a 20% winning rider on the turf, and his patient hand should be a welcome addition as they switch from E.T Baird.

Race #7 – The $400,000 American St. Leger – 1 11/16 on the turf – 4:52 p.m. ET

**** BEGINS THE $200,000 PICK FOUR ****

#8 – Wigmore Hall (7-2) = Jamie Spencer gets the call for Michael Bell. This son of High Chaparral is a stone cold closer. He relishes the ground, and was put to sleep last year in the Arlington Million by Little Mike. Last year he used the Sky Bet Stakes at York to prep, and repeated the same this year. He ran second at Newmarket against Dandino, and gets Lasix once again. I think he will give a much better showing, and the trip back to Chicago should be a happier visit.

Race #8 – The G-1 Secretariat Stakes – 1 1/4 on the turf – 5:23 p.m. ET

#5 – Admiral Kitten (5-1) = Rosie Napravnik gets the ride for Mike Maker. This son of Kitten’s Joy has never run a bad race on the weeds, and is a big time closer. He is 2/2 ITM over the Chicago green, and Rosie is winning 23% on the greensward. A beaten favorite last out in the American Derby, and worked a bullet to iron out the last minute bugs. Look for this guy to tip off and come rolling down the lane.

Race #9 – The G-1 Beverly D – 1 3/16 on the turf – 6:02 p.m. ET

#6 – Marketing Mix (2-1) = Gary Stevens is back in Chi-Town for trainer Thomas Proctor. This daughter of Medaglia D’ Oro is a machine on the green, and 2/2 ITM over the oval. She makes her second start this year, and comes back to face the gals after winning the Sunset Handicap against the boys. She is 12/13 on the grass, and the works at Del Mar have been a polishing effort.

Race #10 – The G-1 Arlington Million – 1 1/4 on the turf – 6:44 p.m. ET

#13 – Grandeur (7-2) = William Buick in the saddle for Jeremy Noseda, and this gelding is a killer. 3rd start off a layoff, and his last three starts in the states have been great. Buick is a very respected rider, and exits a game effort in the Sky Bet Stakes at York. Just a thought, if Wigmore Hall does well in the 7th, take a close look at this guy. Be beat him that day, and the Sky Bet may be a key race to play.

Race #11 – The $75,000 Hatoof Stakes – 1 1/16 on the turf – 7:26 p.m. ET

#9 – Frivolous (5-2) = Joel Rosario gets the nod for Victoria Oliver. That was an impressive mdn break against the boys two back, and the G-3 Arlington Oaks showed promise. The works are sparkling, and makes the poly – turf switch.

Winning Ponies has been rocking, and there is never a better time to get on board this weekend. There are so many great races on tap, and the weather looks to be perfect. Grab your E-Z Win Forms, and get your self prepared for one incredible day of Thoroughbred action.