Big Kick in American St. Leger first local starter for Machowsky
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Southern California trainer Mike Machowsky has never run a horse at Arlington Park, but that will change Saturday, when he saddles Big Kick as the likely front-runner and a major contender in the American St. Leger.
“From what everyone tells us about Arlington, I’m really looking forward to being there,” said Machowsky.
Machowsky has targeted the St. Leger, which is run at the odd distance of 1 11/16 miles over turf, ever since Big Kick led throughout in winning the 1 3/4-mile San Juan Capistrano at Santa Anita on June 29. Turf marathons are relatively new to Big Kick, a 5-year-old Ontario-bred gelding.
“He’s just a different horse at these long-distance races,” said Machowsky. “We’ve found he has a high cruising gear that fits these races very well. In the shorter races, it would take him a while to find his stride. I’m very happy with the way he’s taken to this new style.”
James Graham, the leading jockey at the current Arlington meet, picks up the mount on Big Kick, who was assigned post 3 in a field of 11 in the three-turn race.
Undercard stakes
Aside from the four major races Saturday, a 12-race card at Arlington also includes three minor stakes: the $65,000 Straight Line (race 6) and split divisions of the $75,000 Hatoof (races 7 and 11).
The Straight Line, run as a one-turn mile over Polytrack, drew a field of 10 3-year-old colts and geldings, while each division of the Hatoof, which goes at 1 1/16 miles on turf, will be contested by 10 3-year-old fillies.
◗ Arlington is offering a $200,000 pool guarantee for the 50-cent pick four wager ending with the Million (race 10). In addition, a $100,000 pool guarantee will be in effect for the 50-cent pick five that comprises the last five races (8-12).
◗ Pick fours also will be offered on races 3-6 and 9-12. The 10-cent pick nine jackpot wager is set for races 4-12, and the $1 pick six for races 6-11.
◗ Arlington is promoting an “Ultimate Bet Challenge” for Saturday, whereby one random fan will have the chance to bet $3,000 to win on one selection in the Million.