Arlington Million: Mystik Dan tries turf vs. Integration, Cairo

Colonial Downs hosts the Grade 1, 1 1/4-mile Arlington Million on the turf Saturday. Mystik Dan headlines this eight-horse field in his first try on the grass, marking the first time in 41 years that a Kentucky Derby winner has been entered in the race.

Integration out of the Shug McGaughey barn is the 8-5 morning-line favorite. McGaughey talks about what it will take for this 5-year-old to go one better than last year and win it. 

Since its move to Virginia, the race has been tougher for international runners to travel to, but one Europe-based horse Cairo has arrived to take on the Americans.

Rising trainer Ethan West has Runaway Storm ready for the Million. 

Post time is 5:54 p.m. EDT. The Arlington Million will be on FanDuel TV as part of its regular Saturday programming.

Free past performances for Saturday’s stakes are provided by Brisnet.

Here are the top lifetime speed figures for the Arlington Million entrants.

*Beyer and TimeformUS speed figures are courtesy of Daily Racing Form.

HRN handicappers

There are several ways to go when looking for a horse to play in the Arlington Million. The Derby winner? The Europe shipper? Horse Racing Nation’s Ed DeRosa has a different angle, and you can check it out here. He also has fair odds for the Beverly D and Secretariat.

HorseCenter does a deep dive into five Grade 1 stakes this month at Saratoga, including the Aug. 23 running of the Travers. Brian Zipse and Matt Shifman also give out plays for this week’s Sword Dancer (G1). 

This week’s Ron Flatter Racing Pod turns to the Arlington Million action at Colonial with announcer Jason Beem. Veteran trainer Shug McGaughey talks about his two Million runners, and Paddock Prince handicapper David Levitch has plays for Colonial and Saratoga. Listen in here. 

Super Screener: This horse is your Million long-shot key.

Get your copy of the Super Screener for every weekend through the Breeders’ Cup here.