Arlington: Strong field for turf sprint

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. – The post-Million blues haven’t fallen over the Arlington meeting just yet.

Even during good times, the weeks after Million Day can have the feel of a long exhalation, and during this difficult season of small fields and small purses, it was fair to wonder what would become of the Arlington racing product following this past Saturday’s Million card.

But Day 2 of the post-Million phase of the meet came up sparkling, Thursday’s program is headed by a graded-stakes-class turf-sprint allowance, race 7 on an eight-race card. Also included on the menu are two second-level allowance races (a rare bird this season) going as races 4 and 5.

Rain could change the racing landscape though. The Arlington already was wet from a Saturday downpour and more precipitation was forecast Tuesday night and Wednesday; it will not take much to move the Thursday feature from grass to Polytrack.

But what a field this race drew, especially considering the mere $26,500 purse on offer.

KEY CONTENDERS

Mongolian Saturday (Last 3 Beyers: 98-98-96)

Second for six-figure purses his last two starts; on dirt in the Aug. 1 West Virginia Chairman’s Cup, and on turf July 11 in the Grade 2 Parx Dash.

Two-time winner on synthetics but prefers turf and would not benefit from a surface switch.

Drawn inside, he risks getting caught up in what projects as a taxing pace.

Mongol Bull (Last 3 Beyers: 93-88-79)

Third behind Mongolian Saturday in the Parx Dash, but freshened since that start while Mongolian Saturday squeezed in another race.

Loves the Arlington turf, with three wins and two seconds from five starts, but has not been as effective on synthetics.

Perfect stalking style to capitalize if the early and middle pace becomes too demanding.

Card (Last 3 Beyers: 67-105-95)

One of the fastest horses of the Arlington Polytrack era, and has a perfect 4-for-4 record on the local synthetic surface, those wins coming by 13 combined lengths.

Off since last fall, but trainer Scott Becker wins at a 23 percent clip with long layoff comebackers.

Hogy (Last 3 Beyers: 93-99-83)

Card’s uncoupled stablemate has four turf wins to go with seven synthetic victories, and given his tame finish last out in the one-mile Hanshin, the turn back to a short sprint could work.

Saint Leon (Last 3 Beyers: 86-77-80)

Ten-year-old has aged remarkably well, but despite a last-out win at Indiana Grand, appears to have lost a step this season.

Bet Seattle (Last 3 Beyers: 66-98-94)

Entered under the race’s $80,000 claiming option, which looks like a red flag given a long layoff and a poor comeback race following a career-best win during the Fair Grounds meet.