Little Mike Gate to Wire in the Arlington Million!
Arlington Million day is always a special day here in Chicago. The track does a great job of rolling out the red carpet and the local celebrities were out in full force including White Sox great Frank Thomas, Blackhawks coach Joel Quennville, and hall of fame coach Mike Ditka. Racing wise, some of the best turf horses in the world came to Chicago to test their mettle on the most beautiful turf course in the land at Arlington Park. 34,022 fans came out to the track today in what is the biggest turnout for Million Day since 2000!
(Little Mike wins! - by Four Footed Fotos)
In the feature race, we all knew that Little Mike was going to the lead. The big question was whether or not anyone would put some pressure on him. Willcox Inn tracked Little Mike through the first mile, generally about a length behind, and got as close as a neck before Little Mike turned on the jets and took off down the stretch. I spoke briefly to trainer Mike Stidham before the race and he mentioned that he was definitely worried about Little Mike’s lone speed. About his horse Willcox Inn he remarked, “the horse is doing great, let’s see how he does against this company.” Willcox Inn ultimately faded to 8th. James Graham mentioned of the race, “Perfect trip. Just coludn’t keep up with them. Maybe a little too far for him.”
(I'm a Dreamer - Four Footed Fotos)
In what was the deepest field of the stakes races, I’m A Dreamer travels back to Europe with one of the more impressive victories on the day! My $10 win bet on her paid $73 so I was obviously very happy about that!!
(I'm a Dreamer)
In what was one of the more intriguing races of the day, the Secretariat stakes featured the best in three year old turf routers and was attempting to determine how good Silver Max really is. As expected, Silver Max was sent to the lead, building a 2 length lead through the half mile. The post-time favorite was finally challenged one mile in by Daddy Long Legs who was wearing blinkers for the first time and briefly held the lead. The lead changed hands again at the top of the stretch as 5/2 shot Summer Front took charge and even led by 1 ½ lengths.
(Bayrir - Four Footed Fotos)
That's when it all changed. The lighty-raced French import, Bayrir, who broke slowly and found the rail to save ground, started a huge charge at the top of the stretch , ultimately running down Summer Front to win by 1 ¼ lengths!
(Bayrir)
Finally, as you probably know by now, Arlington introduced a new stakes race for Million Day. The American St. Leger run at one mile and 11/16 was almost won wire to wire. Chris Block’s Ioya Bigtime led for over half the race, leading the pack through 1 mile and 3/8 by 2 ½ lengths! It was at that point that post-time favorite Jakkalberry took over and dominated the field by 2 ¼ lengths scoring big in this inaugural race. Jakkalberry sat in second flight shifted to the rail around the second turn, then fanned out three-wide to run down the pacesetter for the victory!
(Jakkalberry - by Four Footed Fotos)
Though this victory was quite expected, I wasn’t sure what to think as Jakkalberry was bucking a few times in the paddock. I thought he was washed out…but I stand corrected!
(Jakkalberry)
This was an amazing day of racing and we had the privilege to see some of the best turf horses in the world! On top of that it was great to meet up with friends from across the country as well. For my day in photos, CLICK HERE.