Calendar shift for Arlington Million
 

Arlington Million Day moved back two weeks
By Marcus Hersh

http://www.drf.com/news/article/110060.html

Arlington Park shuffled a little furniture here and there, but the primary new look in the suburban Chicago racetrack s 2010 stakes schedule will be a later date for the Arlington Million.

The Million, held early in August the last six years, will be contested Aug. 21 this year, two weeks later than in recent seasons. The Million was held the third Saturday in August in both 2002 and 2003.

Million Day also encompasses Arlington s other two Grade 1 races, the Beverly D. and the Secretariat, as well as the Grade 3, $150,000 Stars and Stripes Handicap, lengthened from 12 to 13 furlongs this year.

The later date for this year s Arlington Million should give the race better separation from the major East Coast and West Coast prep races for the Million, said new Arlington racing secretary Chris Polzin. The extra two weeks should also benefit the Beverly D. and Secretariat.

Wasn't the Million held on Labor Day weekend at some point in the 80s?

1985, 1986, 1987, and 1989
(1988 it was held at Woodbine 2 weeks earlier due to construction.)

I suppose the fact that they now have five weeks between AP's Million Preview Day and Million Day itself is also good because it better reflects current trends in training strategies.
I actually like going to Preview Day out there better than Million Day. You get high quality racing without the obnoxious crowds of Million Day.

amen, I'd take the preview day over Million day anytime.

You guys really have issues on Million Day?

I never ever have had an issue at Arlington, on Million Day or otherwise, maybe it is because I know where to go and not go.

Mr. Chicago.

I concur, it's really not that bad considering the attendance. Try going to Gulfstream for FOY or Florida Derby day. It's a mad house, but I'll be there for the FOY anyways.

Eh, it can be a pain in the ass, regardless of where you go or don't go, but nothing so bad that it outweighs the benefit of having a day at the track with a roaring crowd like that -- we only get it once a year.

The 3rd of July is the only problem day ever. IMO When people are trying to stick credit cards into the terminals.

That and any beautiful sunday that rains when families think the inside floors are acceptable picnic gounds.

Compared to a lot of other tracks on their premier days, I didn't think Million day was crowded at all.

Those days are actually pretty fun because you look at people and think "WTF?"

105 days....! (And potential Arlington HD races)

looks like it will be too late for me :(

Im sure Jessica will be gutted.