Arlington Million Official Odds: Ultimate Betting Guide
Your Ultimate Guide to the 2025 Arlington Million: A Colonial Downs Classic
The prestigious Arlington Million, now a centerpiece of the summer racing season, is set for another spectacular renewal on the turf course at Colonial Downs in New Kent, Virginia. This Grade 1, $1 million event is a key destination for top-class older turf horses and a highlight of the “Festival of Racing.” This guide will equip you with all the necessary information to enjoy the day’s events and place your best bet of the weekend.
Date and Schedule: A Festival of Racing
The 2025 Arlington Million is scheduled for Saturday, August 9, at Colonial Downs. This is the main event of a “Festival of Racing” card, which also features the Grade 2, $500,000 Beverly D. Stakes and the Grade 2, $500,000 Secretariat Stakes. The full day of elite racing makes it an unmissable event for fans. The post time for the Arlington Million is scheduled for 5:54 PM ET, with a full card of horse racing beginning earlier in the day.
How to Watch: Catch Every Stride
Horse racing fans can tune into the action from Colonial Downs on BUSR Experience, where you will find all the information to get the Live Video Feature for all the Colonial Downs Racing Card and access to all the promos we have to ensure a true Horse Racing Betting Experience.
Expected Weather Conditions: A Factor for Turf Racing
The weather forecast for Saturday, August 9, in New Kent, Virginia, calls for favorable racing conditions. The forecast predicts a high of 78°F, a low of 66°F, and a very low chance of rain. These conditions are ideal for a firm turf course, which will allow the horses to run at their full potential. A dry track means less unpredictability and a fair playing field for all competitors, which is excellent news for handicappers and bettors.
Past Winners: A Legacy of Turf Greatness
The Arlington Million has a storied history, though its home has recently changed from the now-closed Arlington Park to Colonial Downs. Some of the most decorated turf horses in the world have won the race, including the legendary John Henry, who won it twice. Examining past winners is a crucial step for any handicapper, as it provides insight into the type of horse that thrives in this demanding race.
Recent Winners Circle Includes:
- 2024: Nations Pride
- 2023: Set Piece
- 2022: Santin
- 2021: Two Emmys
- 2019: Bricks and Mortar
- 2018: Robert Bruce
- 2017: Beach Patrol
- 2016: Mondialiste
- 2015: The Pizza Man
- 2014: Hardest Core
The list of past winners is a testament to the international appeal of the race, with champions from all over the globe vying for a spot in history. The common thread among them is their ability to handle the distance and the high-stakes pressure of a Grade 1 race.
The Full Field with Expert Analysis
This year’s Arlington Million features an intriguing field, headlined by a superstar trying to prove himself on a new surface. With a purse of $1 million and a “Win and You’re In” spot for the Breeders’ Cup, the competition will be fierce. Based on the latest reports, here is a look at the contenders:
Mystik Dan (9/2) (Jockey: Brian Hernandez Jr., Trainer: Kenneth McPeek)
The 2024 Kentucky Derby winner is making his highly anticipated turf debut. While he has excelled on the dirt, with a career record of 14 starts, 4 wins, 3 seconds, and 1 third, and earnings of over $4.4 million, his pedigree suggests he can handle the switch. His closing kick is his signature move, and the 1 1/4-mile distance is also in his favor. He is a major factor if he takes to the grass.
Integration (8/5) (Jockey: John Velazquez, Trainer: Shug McGaughey):
The morning-line favorite is a proven commodity at Colonial Downs, with an impressive career record of 14 starts, 5 wins, 4 seconds, and 1 third, and earnings of over $1.6 million. He finished second in last year’s Arlington Million and is a consistent Graded Stakes winner, including a Grade 2 win at Aqueduct. His affinity for the track and his reliable form make him the horse to beat.
Grand Sonata (8/1) (Jockey: Tyler Gaffalione, Trainer: Todd Pletcher):
This Todd Pletcher trainee is a multiple Graded Stakes winner on turf. With a career record of 29 starts, 5 wins, 7 seconds, and 2 thirds, and total earnings of over $2.1 million, he is a seasoned veteran. He is coming off a close runner-up finish in the Grade 2 United Nations Stakes, a testament to his current form. On his best day, he is a serious threat to win.
Cairo (7/2) (Jockey: Curtis B., Trainer: Alice Haynes)
This European contender is a Group 1-placed horse from Ireland. With a career record of 20 starts, 3 wins, 8 seconds, and 2 thirds, and earnings of over $543,000, he has been winless in his last 16 races, but his third-place effort in the Group 1 Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot suggests he fits at this level. He is an X-factor in the race and could shake up the order if he runs to his potential.
Fort Washington (4/1) (Jockey: Junior Alvarado, Trainer: McGaughey C.R. III)
A veteran with 25 career starts, 5 wins, 3 seconds, and 7 thirds, and earnings of over $1.1 million, Fort Washington has won multiple Grade 3 stakes, including the Dinner Party Stakes and Canadian Turf Stakes in 2025. He’s a consistent stretch-runner who could be a factor with a good trip.
Runaway Storm (20/1) (Jockey: Alex Achard, Trainer: Ethan West)
A Grade 3 winner with 11 wins from 18 starts and earnings of over $1.3 million. He is known for his ability to get to the front and set the pace. While he’s been successful in regional stakes, the Arlington Million represents a significant step up in class. He’s a grinder who can handle distance, but whether he has the raw talent to outrun this Grade 1 field remains uncertain.
Vesting (12/1) (Jockey: Castellano J., Trainer: Michael Maker)
A 4-year-old gelding from Ireland, Vesting is a lightly raced contender with a career record of 10 starts, 2 wins, 2 seconds, and 2 thirds, and earnings of over $260,000. He is a recent Maiden winner at Belmont and is stepping up to Grade 1 company for the first time. He will need to produce a career-best effort to be competitive.
Time Song (30/1) (Jockey: Luis Sáez, Trainer: Thomas J.)
This gelding is a longshot with a modest career record of 12 starts, 1 win, 4 seconds, and 2 thirds, and earnings of over $109,000. While he has been competitive in allowance optional claiming races, the jump to a Grade 1 race like the Arlington Million is a monumental challenge. It would be a parlay-breaking if he were to win.
The Arlington Million is shaping up to be an incredible race, with the Kentucky Derby winner facing off against top-tier turf specialists. The dry, firm track at Colonial Downs will ensure a fast-paced and thrilling contest.
Don’t miss out on the action! Dive into the field, analyze the different running styles, and get ready for a fantastic day of horse racing.
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