Home of the Arlington Million
If you live here in Chicago, perhaps you have had the chance to visit the great U-505 exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry on Lake Shore Drive.
The U-505, is a World War II German submarine that was captured on 4 June, 1944, only two days before the massive D-Day invasion on the beaches of Normandy. I bring up the U-505 (which really is incredible to see in it's new exhibit hall at the Museum), because the heroic sailors boarding the sub were also able to obtain the Enigma encryption device, allowing the Allies access to key classified coded information.
At times do you feel like handicapping polytrack can almost be like cracking the Enigma code?! My partner Jessica Pacheco is still pouring over the data!
Can speed hold up over the synthetic surface at Arlington? Do deep closers have any chance? Is the Calabrese class dropper trying the all-weather surface for the first time worth taking at 1-5 with Rene Douglas (who has started off the meet on fire)?!
Let's examine the information we've unearthed so far!
It seems at this point in the meet that polytrack here has been playing fair. And fast (we had a few track records set opening weekend including a new mile mark and 1.08.40 a new six furlong standard for both Lighten Up and Young Joe). Although final times seemed back to "normal" on Thursday and Friday after dark day rain and wind.
We've had a share of horses winning from on the lead (Dreaming of Liz, Lifestyle, San Saba and Wonderbred come to mind), just off the pace and even some coming from well back (Comeonsidletsgo, No More Sweets). An even playing field to me at least.
On Friday, horses like Miss Whatavu and Miss Classified both won on the lead while the majority came from just off the leader. And Bearific made a nice wide late run to give talented Tanner Riggs another win at the meet. We also have seen the Keeneland to Arlington angle click over the last couple of racing days (always one to follow). Both William Tell (Thursday) and My Favorite Tune (Friday) had run very well over the Lexington synthetic surface and showed the same affinity for Arlington this week (and nice rides by the lucky charm James Graham).
Jockey Eusebio Razo, Jr. is doing his part to go "GREEN." Despite the heavy going (soft turf Friday), he came from well off the pace with The Alcova Kid, for trainer Chris Block, to win the first turf event of the season in a blanket photo. In the finale, Mr. Mischief made every yard a winning one to give Eddie and trainer Anthony Granitz two wins on the day!
And I did think it was cool on Friday to see Roboponi notch his second career win (both on polytrack). Why was that special? Well, his sire Volponi had the greatest triumph of his career winning the 2002 Breeders Cup Classic at Arlington Park for Hall of Fame trainer P.G. Johnson and family. That was such an awesome day for Chicago racing to have Arlington the site of the World Thoroughbred Championships. A lot of great memories for those of us that were here on that chilly October day. But seeing friends in the winners circle after they won the Breeders' Cup Classic will always be a great memory!
Hope you have a chance to make your own memories at Arlington Park soon. Don't forget we now offer on-line ticketing! And before I go....Happy Mother's Day weekend to all!
