The Lead:
The famed Arlington Million, Thoroughbred racing's first seven-figure stakes race founded in 1981, makes a fourth appearance since its transition to Colonial Downs in Virginia. Saturday's card includes the sister race, the Beverly D, as well as the Secretariat Stakes for 3-year-olds and a bevy of undercard stakes. History could be in store as defending champion FORT WASHINGTON looks to become the event's first back-to-back winner and join the legendary John Henry as the only horses to secure 2 editions of the Million.

Horseplayers at 1/ST BET and Xpressbet be sure to check out the $5,000 Hit & Split promotion on the late pick 4 and pick 5 Saturday from Colonial Downs ($2,500 bonus money up for grabs with each wager).

​​Field Depth:
Grade 1 winners BURNHAM SQURE, FORT WASHINGTON and TEST SCORE have won at the highest levels. INTEGRATION is a Grade 2 winner and Grade 1-placed, while MERCANTE is a Grade 3 winner and Grade 1-placed. DRESDEN ROW and LAYABOUT are Grade 3 winners, while GRAN ORIENTE won at the Group 1-level in his native Chile. In terms of schedule strength, it’s a close call between TEST SCORE, FORT WASHINGTON and INTEGRATION overall on turf.
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Pace:
LAYABOUT and MERCANTE figure to show the most early interest, while GRAN ORIENTE would not surprise near the front on the stretch-out and under a hustling jockey from the outside gate. The pace looks average for the level and doesn’t favor any style.

Our Eyes:
Here are my horse-by-horse notes.

1-DRESDEN ROW: Canadian export won a pair of Kentucky allowance races after coming to Todd Pletcher this spring – including a Keeneland decision over Arlington Million rival Integration. Finished on the heels of returnee Mercante last out in the Wise Dan and now will be tested for distance. Tactical running style and inside trip could help him stretch his game and it’s hard to scoff at 18-for-18 in the money lifetime. After a slow July run, the Pletcher barn perked up Sunday with 2 wins and a second from 3 Saratoga starters – perhaps turning a corner? Would like him more if at a slightly shorter trip, but can’t dismiss chances.

2-LAYABOUT: Middle-distance sort stretched out twice this winter at Gulfstream and wired the W.L. McKnight before setting the tone and tiring to fourth in the Mac Diarmida. While I like the form cycle here of adding distance in his second start off the layoff, I don’t see a race on his form capable of beating this quality over 10 furlongs. No knock winning 5 of his last 9, but prefer others.

3-FORT WASHINGTON: The defending champ doesn't inspire comparisons to John Henry as his run at history might hint, but he doesn't have to compete against anyone of that hero's ilk. Still, the late-runner has been inconsistent with 6 off-the-board finishes in his last 10 starts. Nevertheless, he’s won the Million and 2 editions of the Dinner Party during that span when it all comes together. Jockey Junior Alvarado sticks at Saratoga on Saturday, leaving the mount to Javier Castellano, returning from injury. Stylistically I prefer Castellano on turf speed, so we’ll see how this marriage works. Standing against the Shug McGaughey trainee on Saturday based on a 5: 1-0-0 mark since winning this last summer.

4-INTEGRATION: The 2024 Arlington Million runner-up and 2025 third-place finisher is the second of 2 Shug McGaughey entrants in this lineup. He’s had more local experience than the rest of the field combined, including a 2023 Virginia Derby score among a 5: 3-1-1 course mark. Failed to notch a stakes win in 6 tries since late in the 2024 campaign but knocks on the door every time. Exits a Manhattan that was run way too sharp for his liking and should appreciate a more controlled pace Saturday. Would not shock.

5-BURNHAM SQUARE: Dominant winner of the Elkhorn and Louisville at marathon trips this spring, last year’s Blue Grass Stakes winner on dirt is now 5-for-5 in the exacta since moving to turf. Damside pedigree always indicated grass potential, and he’s found a home on it. Not as dominant last out when up on the pace by default, but the more-defined running styles of his rivals here should have him sitting chilly this time and give him his best chance. Trained on cue for this and the horse to beat.

6-TEST SCORE: Such a deliberate and consistent running style keeps him in the hunt nearly every time, regardless of venue. He’s 0-for-3 beyond 1-1/8 miles but not embarrassed in those losses. Slightly better with a top-of-ground kind of firm turf – so a week full of dry skies and temps in the mid to upper 80s should give him that. First Colonial foray, but damsire Kitten’s Joy ran one of the best races of his career over this lawn in winning the 2004 Virginia Derby over Artie Schiller. Contender.

7-MERCANTE: Millionaire earner rarely gets bet and will be a price again for trainer Brian Knippenberg. Seven straight losses have seen him hang a bit late in the going and settling for minor awards, which concerns as he extends to 10 furlongs. Dam, Caressing, did produce West Coast, a Travers winner over the distance, but he’s run enough times to trust his performances over the pedigree. Last effort in the Wise Dan was his best of the year and would like him quite a bit more if trip was shorter.

8-GRAN ORIENTE: Hottest horse in the Million has won 4 of his last 5, though the lone defeat was his only attempt in a graded stakes. Has improved since adding distance after showing stamina in Chile a season ago. Jockey Paco Lopez has been on point at Colonial, as have the limited shippers from Saffie Joseph Jr. this meeting. Not the most dangerous player, but not out of the discussion.

Most Likely Exotics Contender:
INTEGRATION has a stellar local mark and has hit the board twice already in this race. He’s maintained consistent form coming into the race and capable at the distance.

Best Longshot Contender:
MERCANTE has 4 different graded-stakes placings at 13-1 or more odds in his last 10 starts. He hasn’t had the knockout punch late but could light the superfecta underneath and add a nice number again.
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Sending it in ($100 bankroll):
$50 exacta BOX BURNHAM SQUARE and INTEGRATION ($100).