Arlington, Hong Kong, Australia focal points in weekend horse racing
Oaklawn Park has a pair of competitive races on the Saturday program. BMW Hong Kong Derby and the Golden Slipper in Australia are the other focal points of the international action. News and Notes chronicles the latest chapter in the slow death of Arlington Park.
There are five stakes races at Laurel Park on Saturday. There are also two stakes at Gulfstream Park. Saturday at Aqueduct features the Cicada Stakes for 3-year-old fillies.
Arlington, Hong Kong and Australia are focal points in weekend horse racing.
Saturday's Golden Slipper program at Rosehill Gardens includes five Group 1 events. There's a full field for the Furphy Galaxy at 1,100 meters and a lot to choose from form-wise. Forbidden Love looks dangerous in The Agency George Ryder Stakes at1,500 meters. Verry Elleegant is the likely banker for this race.
Japan's Grade 2 Spring Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at 1,800 meters is on Sunday. Kitasan Sugar, Tiz Glorious and Scintillation are looking for a quick return to earlier form. Nishino Love Wink had a win, two seconds and a third last year, but finished seventh in the Grade 3 Fairy Stake in her 3rd debut. Personal High got home 16th in Grade I Hanshin Juvenile Filles.
The BMW Hong Kong Derby is restricted to 4-year-olds on Sunday. Romantic Warrior and California Spangle are the favorites. The race is a high point of the Hongkong racing season. It is held despite the pandemic. HKJC CEO Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges has no doubt the race will live up to its billing. Michael Kinane represented HKJ in acquiring Romantic Warriors for its International Sale. He also rode Che Sara Sara to victory in the Derby in 1996.
The 26th edition of the Dubai World Cup races is taking place. American runners are the main contenders. The event is part of "Road to the Kentucky Derby" series. It is also the first time the capacity restrictions at Meydan Racecourse have been lifted since the pandemic forced cancellation of 2020 World Cups. The quality of horses, trainers, owners and jockeys assembled is better than ever. Sheik Rashid bin Dalmook Al Maktoum, chairman of Dubai Racing Club, is looking forward to a superb day of racing.
Churchill Downs will host a special "Arlington Million Day" on August 13. The day will include the Million itself, the Beverly D. for fillies and mares, Secretariat Stakes for 3-year-olds and the Pucker Up Stake for 4- and 5-years-old filly. All the races are on the turf except the Grade III Puck Up.
