The Nomination Is In: June 20, 2009; The Springfield Stakes $100,000 at Arlington Park

Another weekend, another soccer tournament for the Turk clan. This week, we played in the pouring rain which put a real damper on my handicapping and cigar smoking activities. No matter, we have to races left today at Arlington Park that interest me and I'm going to try and nail both if possible. The Turk, Mrs. Turk and Little Turk as well will be shuffling off to Chicago during the July 11th weekend to enjoy a day at the races and we'll be joined by a Turk and Mrs. Turk ex-classmate and her family. If you're a denizen of Arlington Park, and a Turk reader, let me know which race to swing by the paddock and meet you! Enough rambling...

Race 9 AP Post Time 5:58 ET: The Springfield Stakes $100,000: 1 Mile on fake dirt for 3 YOs Illinois Registered, Conceived and/or Foaled.



Meeting the restrictive entry conditions in any state breeder centric race and having an interesting field is always a challenge. For a shot at $100,000, you like to see a tad more speed going at each other, but at 6f this should be a competitive race based on parity.

Gambler's Reward will most likely be the post time chalk. The Block Trainee will have Jock Graham up. Coming of a 1 1/16 mile Turf win in late May. This is the class of the race as well, a $125,000 son of Smart Strike. He'll have to overcome his start spot but I think he's too good to not be top 4, and I expect top 2.

Agnostic and Ocean Ace start from the other end of the gate, 1 and 2 respectively. Agnostic comes into the race in blinkers for the first time. Ocean's Ace is coming off a turf race and owns the field best career high BSF of 83.

Where the pace will come from, I dunno exactly. The Real Chas will likely press the pace early and Where's Winston will want to come flying in much later, possibly finding the super tickets in the process. Oh yeah, Mr. Calvin Bo-Rail himself is up.

Watch the tote. I'm building a few exotic tickets and two exactas as well. 10 Cent Supers are a good choice when just having a go of it.

Enjoy. The Turk is off to 'cap race 10 now, the $000,000 Black Tie Affair on Turf.

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Turk Out!