Known simply as the Arlington Classic, this late May event on the turf is a Grade III event worth $100,000 for the three-year-old generation.
The Classic is staged over a mile and half-a-furlong and has been on the schedule since 1929 when it was the Classic Stakes, run then over one and a half miles on the dirt track.
As was the case with this venue’s American Derby, the Arlington Classic was once one of the most important events in the States, as evidenced by the likes of Gallant Fox (Triple Crown winner) and Omaha winning it way back when.
It’s of lesser importance now on the national stage, but recent scorers on the turf, including Silver Max and Cowboy Culture, have become very smart performers.