How to Bet the Arlington Million

The 37th running of the $1 million Arlington Million (G1) will be held on Saturday. A strong field of 10 will be showcased in the 1 1/4 miles turf event. Trainer Chad Brown will saddle a pair, including the defending champion, as well as the top turf runner in the U. S. right now. In addition to that duo, a quartet of European shippers add to the depth and spice of the marquee attraction at Arlington Park. ANALYSIS Hunting Horn will set sail early in hopes of stealing the race on the front end, and Bandua will track him from the second slot early on. Intellogent, with blinkers added, could be in the next flight stalking the tempo along with Robert Bruce and Catcho en Die. Bricks and Mortar will never be out of touch with the bulk of the field, and he has the versatility to be placed virtually anywhere from the break. It’s tough to go against the turf star in this spot. WAGERS $20 Exacta 3 with 7,9 = $40 $1 Trifecta Key 3 with 5,6,7,8,9 = $20 Here is the cast: ROBERT BRUCE (#1) (7-2) – 2018 winner draws inside and should sit a fine trip while saving all the ground. Brown pupil is winless since his tally in this race last summer, though he did run well to be runner-up in the Manhattan Stakes (G1) most recently. The Chilean-bred will need firm ground to do his best work under Javier Castellano. MAGIC WAND (#2) (5-1) – Globe-trotting filly makes her fourth attempt on U.S. soil since November in hopes of breaking through with a first Grade 1 score. Galileo lass has four seconds at the highest level, and she has proven that she can run anywhere on any type of ground. Wayne Lordan coming to guide the well-bred bay is a positive. BRICKS AND MORTAR (#3) (8-5) – Five-year-old son of Giant’s Causeway has been untouchable from five outings dating back to his coup in the Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational (G1) in the fall. Chad Brown trainee possesses a devastating turn of foot, and he is also two-for-two at the distance. The Kentucky-bred will be formidable with something like his best beneath Irad Ortiz Jr. CATCHO EN DIE (#4) (30-1) – Seven-year-old gelding was placed third in this race a year ago, but he has defeated just one horse from a trio of starts in 2019. Despite his affinity for Arlington, the longshot would be a huge surprise in his current form cycle. HUNTING HORN (#5) (12-1) – Aidan O’Brien import nearly stole the Man o’ War Stakes (G1) at Belmont Park in May when a close fourth. Camelot colt has been facing off with some of the best turf runners around, and he will someday get his Grade 1 prize. If the bay is left alone early under Ryan Moore, he might get brave inside the final furlong. THE GREAT DAY (#6) (12-1) – Multiple Group 1 hero has never won on the green but comes in off a solid runner-up showing in the Arlington Handicap (G3) in his second domestic performance. Arnaud Delacour pupil continues to train in fine fashion but will need another step forward to pick up a piece in the field. PIVOINE (#7) (15-1) – Gelding was most impressive when defeating 20 foes in the lucrative Diamond Jubilee Cup Stakes at York in preparation of this race. Redoute’s Choice gelding has never been better and will receive Lasix for his stateside debut. I think the bay is sitting on another big effort at a fine price. CAPTIVATING MOON (#8) (20-1) – One-run closer from the Chris Block barn was third in the Arlington Handicap (G3) in his 2019 bow and will look to improve off of that showing. Four-year-old colt lacks the credentials to win the race, but his consistency makes him a viable exotics player at a big number. Son of Malibu Moon gets a rider change to local ace Jose Valdivia Jr. INTELLOGENT (#9) (12-1) – Group 1 hero made a fine late run when closing fourth in a demanding spot last time out. The chestnut has kept fine company and looks to be turning the corner after a slow start to the 2019 campaign. The addition of blinkers will keep the colt in touch early on under Florent Geroux. BANDUA (#10) (6-1) – Arlington Handicap (G3) winner ran a big one in readying for the Million, but he lands in a tricky spot being drawn widest in the field. The Factor colt has run well in both lifetime appearances at Arlington but needs a healthy move forward to overcome the draw and competition. PHOTO: Bricks and Mortar (c) Coady Photography/Arlington Park