1. Preakness Day, Saturday
Sure the horses are running in Maryland, but the atmosphere at the track for a Triple Crown race is electric.
2. Belmont Day, Sunday, June 5
Does Smarty Jones make his bid for the first Triple Crown since 1978? If so, multiply Preakness Day by many.
3. Prairie St. Festival, Saturday, June 26
The finest Illinois-bred and/or -foaled horses with their connections in their finery assemble to contest six stakes with combined purses of more than $450,000.
4. Stars & Stripes, Sunday, July 4
This grand 73-year-old race highlights the holiday weekend. Don’t forget the super fireworks display, but park near an exit. The traffic is a bear.
5. Million Preview, Saturday, July 24
See three graded turf tests worth an aggregate $650,000 for runners preparing for Illinois’ biggest day.
6. International Festival of Racing, Saturday, Aug. 14
The eyes of the world focus on three Grade I’s in Arlington Heights: the Arlington Million, $750,000 Beverly D. and $400,000 Secretariat.
7. Closing day, Sunday, Sept. 19
The Grand Dame of Midwest Racing concludes her season with two one-mile stakes for the freshman class, the Lassie for the gals and the Futurity for the guys.
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