Photo: Four Footed Fotos
A mix of sun, clouds, and even little rain made an
appearance this Saturday at Arlington Park. It must have been the right
combination to provide a stellar day of racing on Million preview day!
In the Arlington Handicap we saw 8 year old champion Rahystrada never relinquish the lead to capture the big race (which is the preview race for the Arlington Million). Morning line favorite Boisterous closed in from way behind and just missed by a neck. The horse my heart was hung upon, Mister Marti Gras, stalked the pace but didn’t have enough to fire at the end.
(Rahystrada - winner!)
I spoke to Joel Rosario after the race. I asked him about sending Rahystrada to the lead and he said there wasn’t much speed in the race so he knew he could win the race in that manner. He also said that he loves the Arlington turf course and would love to ride here more often! Yes!
Earlier in the day was the Modesty Handicap which serves as
the preview for the Beverly D. This mile and 3/16 turf race race was mostly
devoid of speed, however it was Frank Calabrese’s Romacaca who ran right with
the leader She’s All In for the entire way and battled Snow Top Mountain in
what was one of the more memorable stretch battles of the meet to take home the
victory.
(Romacaca in the paddock)
Sixty Sails winner She’s All In broke sharp from the gate
and ran on the rail showing the early speed in the race. The one horse I
thought that could show speed, Romacaca, was right there but actually rated.
Upperline,
who looked amazing in the paddock, tracked in 3
rd but never fired
down the stretch. Morning line favorite
Bizzy Caroline also didn’t seem to have
it today.
(Romacaca - winner!)
If this is any indication of how the Arlington Million day races will pan out, then we're in for a treat!!
All of my photos for the day can be found HERE.
For coverage of the other two Million Preview Day races, check out Brian Zipse's ZATT blog!
**CHECK THIS OUT**
Be sure to check out the next video in the "Behind The Silks" series from Arlington Park!