Quills Picks Winners – Saturday 8/1 – Arlington Million at Colonial Downs
We are also taking a race that is near and dear to my heart as we will look at the Arlington Million which runs for the third time at Colonial Downs. A field of eight horses are entered, but at the most seven horses will run.
The 7 Mercante will be scratched as his trainer is on record to run his horse at Ellis Park tomorrow. With that defection noted, let’s take a look at the Million.
Colonial Downs Race 11 – Arlington Million (Grade 1)
Favored in the Million is the 5 Burnham Square (5/2 morning line). He has won three in a row after winning the Chorleywood Stakes at Churchill Downs at the end of June. He found a home on the turf last summer and has not looked back since. This gelding might want longer as he shortens up from 11 furlongs to a mile and a quarter (10 furlongs) this afternoon. But he is still dangerous here.
The 1 Dresden Row (7/2 ML) finished third in the Grade 2 Wise Dan at Churchill Downs last time out. Look for him to be not far off the pace but was outfinished for place. Look for a similar trip this afternoon.
The 4 Integration (4/1 ML) may have finished fifth in the Grade 1 Manhattan at Saratoga in June but he was gaining on the leaders. He had the lead in last year’s Million but was passed late in that race. He looks to avenge that loss here this afternoon.
The 8 Gran Oriente (10/1 ML) won the Soldier Dancer at Gulfstream on the 4th of July and heads north to take on graded stakes company. He was very wide on both turns and closed strongly for the win. He should be able to get the distance as he won a race at this distance in Chile last year.
Joe’s Arlington Million Pick
This looks like a race where if someone has the lead, it is because they got it because no one wanted it. This is going to be a mad dash to the finish, and I will take Gran Oriente in the Million. He’s won three in a row going a mile and a sixteenth and a mile and an eighth. He also gets Preakness winning jockey Paco Lopez aboard today as well.
I’m calling this race 8-5-4-1 and my play is $20 to win on the 8. Best of luck and I’ll see you in the winner’s circle!
