Arlington Million Highlights Packed Graded Stakes Schedule
Horse racing enthusiasts are gearing up for an action-packed week with a total of eleven graded stakes races scheduled across four prominent racetracks. The focal point of this thrilling lineup is the prestigious Arlington Million, a Grade 1 event that promises to be a battleground for turf titans. This week’s racing calendar caters to a wide spectrum of divisions, from lightning-fast sprinters to endurance-testing marathon turf runners, ensuring captivating contests for all.
Anticipated Races and Key Contenders
The highly anticipated Arlington Million, held at Colonial Downs, is set to rekindle the rivalry between Fort Washington and Integration. These two formidable competitors, both from Shug McGaughey’s esteemed stable, previously clashed in the 2025 edition of the Million, where Fort Washington emerged victorious, securing his first Grade 1 title with a powerful late surge. Integration, who was the favorite in last year's race, settled for third and is looking for redemption. Adding to the intrigue is Burnham Square, a promising Kentucky Derby 2025 contender who has found his stride on the turf this season, boasting an impressive three consecutive wins.
Beyond the Million, a series of other graded stakes will command attention. On Thursday, the Glens Falls (G2) at Saratoga features Speed Shopper, a mare with two graded stakes wins at 1 1/2 miles this year. Friday’s action at Saratoga includes the Amsterdam (G2) for three-year-olds, where Obliteration, trained by Steve Asmussen, aims to continue his strong performance, having consistently placed in his 2026 starts and previously won the Sanford (G3) by a significant margin. At Colonial Downs, the Secretariat (G2) will showcase promising three-year-olds on the turf, with Alpyland entering after two consecutive stakes victories, including the American Derby. The Beverly D. (G2), also at Colonial Downs, will highlight fillies and mares, where Way to Be Marie, a consistent performer with four placings this year, seeks a graded stakes triumph.
Saturday's card at Del Mar presents the Clement L. Hirsch (G1), where Om N Joy, a California-bred filly, recently pulled off an upset in the Santa Margarita (G2). Meanwhile, Saratoga will host the Jim Dandy (G2), a crucial prep race for the Travers Stakes, featuring Renegade, a Belmont Stakes third-place finisher, and Commandment, who won multiple graded stakes earlier in 2026. The Saratoga Special (G2) for two-year-olds will see Booked, a dominant winner of the Sanford Stakes, aiming for another victory. On Sunday, the Lake George (G3) at Saratoga will feature three-year-old fillies on the turf, with Code, a half-sister to Grade 1 winner Locked, looking to break through in her first stakes start. Finally, the Seagram Cup (G3) at Woodbine will test three-year-olds and up on synthetic, with Mansetti, Canada's 2025 Horse of the Year, making his return. The Adirondack (G3) at Saratoga for two-year-old fillies will introduce Washton, a debut winner at Churchill Downs who navigated a challenging race to secure her first victory.
This week's diverse racing calendar highlights the ongoing competitive landscape within horse racing. The Arlington Million, in particular, underscores the continuous quest for dominance in the older grass division, where a single race can redefine a horse's legacy. The array of races across different divisions and tracks offers both a challenge and an opportunity for horses, trainers, and jockeys to prove their mettle and seize the coveted graded stakes titles.