The $1 million Arlington Million and its co-main race, the $500,000 Beverly D., have been scheduled for August 13th at the Churchill Downs racecourse. In addition to the main events, the day-long festivities will host a plethora of money handicap contests, such as berths to the Breeders’ Cup Betting Challenge.
Following the closure of Arlington Park, track officials moved the event to the Churchill Downs course, which has recently been refurbished and will be more than suitable for both Million and Beverly D races.
The Secretariat and the Pucker Up turf stakes initially expected to run for Million Day won’t be running. Both races were formerly associated with Arlington, but in an attempt to preserve the course, they’ve been pushed to later dates at an alternative course.
In addition to the schedule change, the Million and Beverly D. races won’t race on the same lanes to assist in the preservation of the course. The Beverly D. – with twelve runners – will be contested on Lane 3. Later that day, competitors of the Million will embark on Lane 1 with a maximum field allowance of fourteen horses.
“While our new Bermuda-hybrid turf course continues to mature to its ultimate potential, we are being appropriately conservative by limiting the number of races in the best interest of long-term preservation of the surface and growing root system.” Mike Anderson said the Racetrack President of Churchill Downs.
“The course is healthy and vibrant, and we are extremely optimistic about its performance now and in the future. However, we don’t want any setbacks to its progression, especially right now during its critical growth season. We plan to take advantage of the width and versatility of the new course and run the two marquee races – the Arlington Million and the Beverly D. – in two separate running lanes to provide fresh ground for each important race.”
The Million delivers eleven races on the day, including the inaugural running of multiple dirt stakes worth $200,000. Sophomores will receive the chance to travel 1 3/16 miles, and the six-furlong Lady Tak S. is for distaff sprinters.
With a special thanks to Ellis Park, the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, and Kentucky horsemen, Churchill Downs can host the Arlington Million and Beverly D. for the first time. The races were previously hosted at Arlington Park until the track’s closure in 2021.
Gates at Churchill Downs will open at 11:30 a.m. on August 13th, with the first of eleven races beginning at 12:45 p.m. The final event of the evening will commence at 6:25 p.m. Racing fans can watch the entire event at TwinSpires.com; alternatively, NYRA and FOX Sports’
Saratoga live programming will be available on Fox Sports 1 and Fox Sports 2.
The Million Betting Contest
The Million Day handicapping contest is a big draw for Churchill handicappers. With a $2,500 entry fee ($500 to the prize pool + a $2000 bankroll), avid horse bettors will compete and can wager on all markets (Win, Place, Show, Exacta, Trifecta, and Daily Double pools).
With their $2000 bankroll, at least $500 must be wagered on a minimum of two races during the Churchill Downs event. There is no limit on a contestant’s stake, and they can place as many wagers as they please, so long as it exceeds a minimum of two bets.
Sports betting apps will additionally provide many markets for bettors at home to get involved with. However, for those contesting in the one-day handicapping contest live at Churchill Downs, a significant prize money award awaits the winner, including fully paid entry into the Breeders’ Cup Betting Challenge.
The predicted contest prize money is expected to be $10,000 for the winner with fully paid entry into the 2022 Breeders’ Cup Betting Challenge. and a $2,000 cash voucher. Second place will also receive a paid entry into the Breeders’ Cup Betting Challenge and $10,000, with a $1,000 cash voucher. Third place wins a $2,000 cash voucher.
