Distaff
Dave Surico’s analysis
Pace is the question of this race. If either Azeri or Imperial Gesture shakes loose early, the race could be theirs. A short run into the first turn at Arlington gives controlling speed a major edge. Imperial Gesture is one post outside of Azeri, giving her the option of an up-close, pressing position. If those two knock each other out in a speed duel, Take Charge Lady will be stalking close behind and more than happy to run them down.
The picks
How Tribune staff reporters Neil Milbert and Dave Surico see it:
NEIL MILBERT DAVE SURICO
Azeri Imperial Gesture
Imperial Gesture Take Chrge Lady
Summer Colony Azeri
Past winners
2001: Unbridled Elaine 2000: Spain
1999: Beautiful Pleasure 1998: Escena
1997: Ajina 1996: Jewel Princess
1995: Inside Information 1994: One Dreamer
1993: Hollywood Wildcat 1992: Paseana
1991: Dance Smartly 1990: Bayakoa
1989: Bayakoa 1988: Personal Ensign
1987: Sacahuista 1986: Lady’s Secret
1985: Life’s Magic 1984: Princess Rooney
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Mile
Dave Surico’s analysis
Rock of Gibraltar set a European record with seven straight Group I victories. He can overcome the 10th post to add his first American Grade I. Stable passed on Classic to give him his preferred trip. Arlington Million winner Beat Hollow has never missed the board. Trainer Bobby Frankel says a well-timed move by jockey Jerry Bailey will be the key. Forbidden Apple, third in the Million, is reunited with Nakatani. The duo was runner-up last year.
The picks
NEIL MILBERT DAVE SURICO
Rock of Gibraltar Rock of Gibraltar
Beat Hollow Beat Hollow
Landseer Forbidden Apple
Past winners
2001: Val Royal 2000: War Chant
1999: Silic 1998: Da Hoss
1997: Spinning World 1996: Da Hoss
1995: Ridgewood Pearl 1994: Barathea
1993: Lure 1992: Lure
1991: Opening Verse 1990: Royal Academy
1989: Steinlen 1988: Miesque
1987: Miesque 1986: Last Tycoon
1985: Cozzene 1984: Royal Heroine
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Filly and Mare Turf
Dave Surico’s analysis
Islington ran a huge race in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe and had the lead at the F/M Turf distance of 1 1/4 miles. She looks good back in with girls. Hope the last didn’t take too much out of her. Defending champ Banks Hill had an excuse when beaten as the favorite in the Yellow Ribbon. She looms large here. Kazzia won the Flower Bowl in her American debut. That’s no surprise: She’s won 5 of 6 races. She has the speed to overcome her post.
The picks
MILBERT SURICO
Golden Apples 1. Islington
Banks Hill 2. Banks Hill
Islington 3. Kazzia
Past winners
2001: Banks Hill 2000: Perfect Sting
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1999: Soaring Softly
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Turf
Dave Surico’s analysis
Golan battled Group I competition in seven of nine career European races. The 4-year-old is fresh and has trained up to the race. He looks primed for a strong effort. High Chaparral won six of eight starts and a field-leading $2.4 million across the pond. After recovering from a virus, he fired a strong third-place effort in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe three weeks ago. Is he playing catch-up in the Turf? Ballingarry was a cut below the top two in Europe but won his North American debut in the Grade I Canadian International.
The picks
NEIL MILBERT DAVE SURICO
High Chaparral Golan
Golan High Chaparral
Ballingarry Ballingarry
Past winners
2001: Fantastic Light 2000: Kalanisi
1999: Daylami 1998: Buck’s Boy
1997: Chief Bearhart 1996: Pilsudski
1995: Northern Spur 1994: Tikkanen
1993: Kotashaan 1992: Fraise
1991: Miss Alleged 1990: In the Wings
1989: Prized 1988: Great Communicator
1987: Theatrical 1986: Manila
1985: Pebbles 1984: Lashkari
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Juvenile Fillies
Dave Surico’s analysis
Storm Flag Flying dispatched her foes in the Frizette at Belmont with consummate ease. She inherited class from a blueblooded distaff family. The Ogden Mills Phipps color-bearer’s mother is My Flag, who won this race in 1995. My Flag was the offspring of Phipps’ family Eclipse champions Personal Ensign and Easy Goer. Trainer Bob Baffert’s Santa Catarina has speed and the rail, two positive factors. He’ll also saddle Composure, who drew favorably and will get a stalking trip.
The picks
NEIL MILBERT DAVE SURICO
Santa Catarina Strm Flag Flying
Strm Flag Flying Santa Catarina
Composure Composure
Past winners
2001: Tempera 2000: Caressing
1999: Cash Run 1998: Silverbulletday
1997: Countess Diana 1996: Storm Song
1995: My Flag 1994: Flanders
1993: Phone Chatter 1992: Eliza
1991: Pleasant Stage 1990: Meadow Star
1989: Go for Wand 1988: Open Mind
1987: Epitome 1986: Brave Raj
1985: Twilight Ridge 1984: Outstandingly
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Sprint
Dave Surico’s analysis
Swept Overboard has a race under his belt after a layoff and could be primed for a big effort. He can move from the second tier or from far back. A speed duel would definitely play to his strength. Jockey Corey Nakatani is the leading Sprint rider with three wins. Bonapaw is sharp now. He’s the only contender with races at Arlington. Filly Xtra Heat was the runner-up in this race last year and is having a superb year.
The picks
NEIL MILBERT DAVE SURICO
Orientate Swept Overbrd
Xtra Heat Bonapaw
Dstrbngthpeace Xtra Heat
Past winners
2001: Squirtle Squirt 2000: Kona Gold
1999: Artax 1998: Reraise
1997: Elmhurst 1996: Lit de Justice
1995: Desert Stormer 1994: Cherokee Run
1993: Cardmania 1992: Thirty Slews
1991: Sheikh Albadou 1990: Safely Kept
1989: Dancing Spree 1988: Gulch
1987: Very Subtle 1986: Smile
1985: Precisionist 1984: Eillo
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Juvenile
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Dave Surico’s analysis
Vindication, an undefeated son of Seattle Slew, has won three races with style. He overcome a bad break to romp in Kentucky. The good draw enhances his chances. Whywhywhy has speed and the rail. He’ll likely save ground and get a solid chance. He got to Arlington early and got familiar with the strip with three drills. Hold That Tiger passed 13 horses in the last furlong of his Group I French win. He can contend in his dirt debut for trainer Aidan O’Brien, who won this race last year.
The picks
NEIL MILBERT DAVE SURICO
Sky Mesa Vindication
Vindication Whywhywhy
Whywhywhy Hold That Tiger
Past winners
2001: Johannesburg 2000: Macho Uno
1999: Anees 1998: Answer Lively
1997: Favorite Trick 1996: Boston Harbor
1995: Unbridled’s Song 1994: Timber Country
1993: Brocco 1992: Gilded Time
1991: Arazi 1990: Fly So Free
1989: Rhythm 1988: Is It True
1987: Success Express 1986: Capote
1985: Tasso 1984: Chief’s Crown
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Classic
Dave Surico’s analysis
European 3-year-olds have just missed in the last two Classics. Can Hawk Wing be the breakthrough colt? He’s top-class on the grass. With Mr. Prospector blood on his daddy’s side, he could take to the dirt in his first start over America’s dominant surface. The American horses are tough to sort through. Evening Attire could be the “now” horse. He comes into the race with two straight New York wins. Came Home stalked successfully in the Pacific Classic, a new dimension that would aid him in the Classic.
The picks
NEIL MILBERT DAVE SURICO
Hawk Wing Hawk Wing
War Emblem Evening Attire
Evening Attire Came Home
Past winners
2001: Tiznow 2000: Tiznow
1999: Cat Thief 1998: Awesome Again
1997: Skip Away 1996: Alphabet Soup
1995: Cigar 1994: Concern
1993: Arcangues 1992: A.P. Indy
1991: Black Tie Affair 1990: Unbridled
1989: Sunday Silence 1988: Alysheba
1987: Ferdinand 1986: Skywalker
1985: Proud Truth 1984: Wild Again
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