The 38th running of the Arlington Million Stakes is the highlight of the summer meet at Arlington Park in Chicago, Illinois. The Grade 1 race is contested at 1 1/4-miles over the turf and is a Breeders’ Cup Challenge event, the victor earns an entry into the Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1).
Only one horse has completed the Arlington Million – Breeders’ Cup Turf double; Little Mike, in 2014. However, one other horse won a Breeders’ Cup race after his Million triumph; Steinlen (1989) ended his championship campaign with a victory in the Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1).
Ten horses, four who have shipped in from Europe, will contest the Arlington Million. Magic Wand, conditioned by Aidan O’Brien, is cross-entered in both the Million and the Beverly D. Stakes (G1).
How To Bet On The Arlington Million Online
- Choose A Betting Site – Choose betting site for the Arlington Million that offers horse racing; such as Bovada that is our top site for horse betting. Before depositing be sure to make sure it’s highly-rated, as well. We have a large list of reviews and recommended sportsbooks.
- Make a Deposit – Deposit into the sportsbook of your choosing while taking advantage of any deposit bonuses. If possible, deposit the maximum amount to receive the most substantial bonus. Check for any promotions relating to horse racing or the Arlington Million when signing up and depositing.
- Find Horse Racing Markets – Horse racing betting markets are often separate from the sportsbooks. Find the horse racing betting markets and select Arlington Million. Check the Arlington Million betting odds below.
- Place Your Bet – Figure out what horse(s) you want to bet on and place your wager. There are a variety of bets to choose from for horse betting, so be sure to go over all possibilities before placing your bet. Be sure to look over your wager before hitting confirming the bet.
- Enjoy the race! – Once you have placed on all your bets, kick back and relax and have a cocktail while you watch the show.
Which Horses are the Betting Favorites of the Arlington Million?
The current turf route division leader Bricks and Mortar and last year’s Arlington Million winner Robert Bruce, both conditioned by super trainer Chad Brown, will likely square off for favoritism.
Let’s take a pro/con look at the favorites and logical long-shots.
#3 Bricks and Mortar (8-5)
Pros: The 5-year-old son of Giant’s Causeway puts his five race win streak on the line. He was last seen dominating his stablemate Robert Bruce by 1 1/2-lengths in the Manhattan Stakes (G1) at Belmont Park. In January, he handed a 2 1/2-length loss to Magic Wand in the Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational Stakes (G1) at Gulfstream Park.
Cons: It’s hard to knock the division leader. He seemingly has it all. Top trainer Chad Brown is 29% win and 61% in the money over the last two years with turf routers. Bricks and Mortar isn’t reliant on a particular running style.
The Play: Bricks and Mortar is the likely post time favorite. You won’t make much money betting him singly, so use him on top in all of your plays. The only thing that will get him beat is a poor trip.
#1 Robert Bruce (7-2)
Pros: The stablemate to Bricks and Mortar returns to defend his title in the Arlington Million. He likes the course and distance and runs well fresh. He draws the rail and should get a ground saving trip tucked in behind the pace.
Cons: Robert Bruce is inconsistent and a cut below the elite turf horses. Yes, he won last year’s edition of the Million, but since then, has lost by open lengths to Channel Maker, Enable and Bricks and Mortar.
The Play: Unless something untoward happens, such as his getting a dream trip while his stablemate runs into trouble, Robert Bruce will settle for a minor award. Anything can and does happen in a race. Hedge your bets and use Robert Bruce on top and underneath in tickets.
#2 Magic Wand (5-1)
Pros: The U.S. courses suit her. The Aidan O’Brian trainee placed behind Bricks and Mortar in the in the Pegasus World Cup Turf and she was a strong-closing third bested by only 3/4-length in the Man O’War Stakes (G1) at Belmont over a firm turf course. She was a credible fourth in last year’s Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf (G1), bested by only 2 3/4-lengths.
Cons: Aidan O’Brian dominates the English and Irish racing scene, but he has a dismal record when shipping to the U.S.; His charges have made 47 starts, with only 2 wins and 17 in the money over the last two years.
The Play: Magic Wand prefers to be forwardly placed, within three lengths of the lead, but can rally from the back if necessary. Doubt she’s good enough to win, but should be used in underneath tickets if she runs. Magic Wand is cross-entered in the Beverly D.
#10 Bandua (6-1)
Pros: Bandua handily beat The Great Day and Captivating Moon in the Arlington Handicap (G3) in July. He can make or sit just off the pace.
Cons: Bandua isn’t Grade 1 material, but he bounced out of the Arlington Handicap with two sharp breezes.
The Play: Bandua could ensure a lively pace, and possibly hold on for a piece. Use underneath.
#5 Hunting Horn (12-1)
Pros: Hunting Horn did well in both start this year in the U.S. completing the trifecta in the W.L. McKnight Stakes (G3), and was fourth after making a swift pace in the Man o’ War Stakes (G1).
Cons: A consistent also-ran, generally used as a rabbit for the O’Brian stable.
The Play: If he can slow the pace down, has a chance of staying for a minor award. Use underneath.
#6 The Great Day (12-1)
Pros: The Great Day was a closing second in the Arlington Handicap (G3), 1 ¾ lengths behind Bandua. He could improve in his third start off a layoff.
Cons: Not a top tier turf horse. He was better on dirt in Argentina.
The Play: He gets a little more distance to play with, and might hit the lower exotics with a good trip. Use underneath.
#9 Intellogent (12-1)
Pros: The lightly-raced Intellogent is the mystery horse. He was closing fast in the Prix d’Ispahan (Gr.1) missing by only 1 3/4-lengths. He’ll get American-based rider Florent Geroux, who is one of the top Mid-western jocks.
Cons: Not a top tier turf horse, and likely better at shorter distances.
The Play: Could hit the lower exotics with a good trip.
Horses We Do Not Recommended Betting On
I wouldn’t recommend betting on Catcho En Die (30-1), Pivoine (15-1) or Captivating Moon (20-1).
Arlington Million General Information
When is the Arlington Million Race?
The Arlington Million’s post time is set for 6:12 p.m. CDT Saturday.
Where is the Arlington Million Stakes Race Held?
The race is held at Arlington Park in Chicago, Illinois.
What Type of Racetrack is Arlington Park?
The main track will be fast and the turf firm, as no rain is in the forecast.
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