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Storm Cat Looks Like a Million
After hinting at superior talent ever since his juvenile season, Stream Cat may finally be on the verge of realizing his vast potential this year. Owned by Fab Oak Stable and former Duke University hoops star Bobby Hurley, the gelded son of Black Minnaloushe looked fabulous winning the Grade III Arlington Handicap and, on Saturday, goes for the big prize — the $1,000,000 Arlington Million.
It’s not the first time Stream Cat has raced in Arlington Park’s richest race; last year, the George Arnold trainee finished fourth, beaten just a length for top honors.
Set to oppose Stream Cat are the likely race favorite Archipenko, as well as Spirit One, Cloudy’s Knight, Einstein, Mount Nelson and Silverfoot.
Bobby Frankel’s Sudan was a late scratch.
Saturday’s Free Picks
All selections (unless otherwise noted) are made in light of the conditions existing at the time of entry. Races taken off the turf, or modified in any way, should be passed.
DEL MAR * Race 1 (68%) * $59,000 Purse * 6.0 Furlongs * Dirt
1-Cost Of Freedom (8/5)
Fair Odds: 6-5
COMMENTS: COST OF FREEDOM has yet to finish off the board in six 2008 starts and could offer value in this spot.
BET(S): WIN on 1 (at odds of 6-5 or greater). DAILY DOUBLE 1-5.
DEL MAR * RACE 2 (100%) * $36,000 Purse * 8.5 Furlongs * Dirt
5-Ghosttrapper (3/1)
Fair Odds: @4-5
COMMENTS: GHOSTTRAPPER is a Supreme Overlay (at odds of 4-5 or greater).
BET(S): WIN on 5 (at odds of 4-5 or greater).
ARLINGTON PARK * Race 9 (50%) * $750,000 Purse * 9.5 Furlongs * Turf
1-Dreaming Of Anna (7/2)
Fair Odds: 7-2
3-Precious Kitten (9/5)
Fair Odds: 5-2
9-Cicerole (6-1)
Fair Odds: 5-1
COMMENTS: This looks like a nice spot for DREAMING OF ANNA to take her turf game to a new level, as she faces a stellar field. Still, she should be able to control the pace against these, as Rosinka will most likely concede the lead, and the daughter of Rahy has won eight of 11 grass starts. PRECIOUS KITTEN is definitely the one to beat, but note that she is zero-for-three off of layoffs similar to the one she’s coming off today. The Arlington Park turf course is very kind to shippers and CICEROLE has beaten some good ones in France.
BET(S): WIN on 1 (at odds of 7-2 or greater).
ARLINGTON PARK * Race 10 (30%) * $1,000,000 Purse * 10.0 Furlongs * Turf
2-Stream Cat (8/1)
Fair Odds: 7-2
6-Einstein (7-2)
Fair Odds: 4-1
1-Archipenko (2/1)
Fair Odds: 3-1
COMMENTS: STORM CAT’s race in the Grade III Arlington Handicap was sensational, earning a career-best 105 Beyer figure and +1 late speed ration (LSR). Without much early lick in today’s race, the son of Black Minnaloushe should be up close early and ready to pounce when the field turns for home. The defection of Sudan leaves EINSTEIN as the likely pacesetter, making the six-year-old son of the freewheeling Spend a Buck very formidable. ARCHIPENKO keeps getting better and better, but may be an underlay against these.
BET(S): WIN on 2 (at odds of 7-2 or greater). EXACTA 2,6 with 1,2,5,6.
