How to Watch the 2025 Arlington Million Stakes: Schedule, Date, Full Field, Past Winners, and Expert Analysis

The 2025 Arlington Million Stakes is poised to be one of the most anticipated turf races of the summer, carrying on the rich legacy of this Grade I fixture. With a $1 million purse and a field stacked with 8 contenders, some proving their worth on turf, others seeking glory for the first time, the Arlington Million stands as a captivating and exciting turf race. This article delivers everything you need: how to watch the event from home, viewing arrangements, historical perspective, weather insights, the full field with odds, and a thorough breakdown of each horse’s chances.

Date, Schedule, and Where to Watch the 2025 Arlington Million Stakes

  • Date: Saturday, August 9, 2025
  • Venue: Colonial Downs, New Kent County, Virginia — running on the Secretariat turf course, now hosting this edition of the Arlington Million after relocating from Arlington Park and Churchill Downs.
  • Post Time: 5:54 p.m. ET.
  • Broadcast: Available via FanDuel TV and BUSR, as part of Colonial Downs' Festival of Racing, you just have to create an account, deposit, and make a bet, and then you will have access to this service.
  • Purse: $1,000,000, maintaining its long-standing status as the lucrative marquee turf race.

A Look Back at Recent Arlington Million Stakes Winners

Understanding recent champions provides context for this year’s field:

  • 2024: Nations Pride (IRE) victorious under William Buick for Charlie Appleby.
  • 2023: Set Piece (GB) clinched victory in a record-setting time of 1:58.19 for the 1¼-mile distance.
  • 2022: Santin won the race held at Churchill Downs after the relocation, representing a temporary venue shift.
  • Notables from the past decade include Bricks and Mortar (2019), Beach Patrol (2017), Gio Ponti (2009), and Cape Blanco (2011), names that helped define the race’s international prestige.
  • Legendary winners like John Henry, the inaugural 1981 champion and only two-time winner (1981, 1984), cemented the race’s legacy on turf.

This illustrious roll call underscores the Arlington Million’s reputation as a career-defining event for turf stalwarts and rising international stars alike.

Expected Weather for Colonial Downs Racecourse

New Kent County, United States

Pleasant with periods of clouds and sunshineToday80°61°Pleasant with periods of clouds and sunshine
Mostly sunny and niceSaturday82°60°Mostly sunny and nice

The weather widget above shows the forecast for New Kent County, VA. On race day (Saturday, August 9), conditions are expected to be mostly sunny and ideal, with highs near 82°F (28 °C) and low humidity, perfect for firm turf and fast final times. Horses with a sharp turn of foot and late-closing prowess are likely to benefit most in these favorable conditions.

The 2025 Arlington Million Stakes Full Field and Odds

Here’s the complete eight-horse field lined up for the running:

2025 Arlington Million Stakes post positions, contenders and odds
Post Horse Odds
1 Mystik Dan 9/2
2 Time Song 30/1
3 Vesting 12/1
4 Runaway Storm 20/1
5 Cairo 7/2
6 Fort Washington 4/1
7 Grand Sonata 8/1
8 Integration 8/5

Detailed Analysis of Each Entry

Mystik Dan

A standout in this lineup, Mystik Dan, the 2024 Kentucky Derby champion, makes his turf debut in this race. Trained by Kenneth McPeek and ridden by Brian Hernandez Jr., he brings high-class form from dirt routes, fresh off a G3 win in the Blame Stakes and a respectable 4th in the G1 Stephen Foster Stakes. His versatile running style and pedigree offer captivating upside on grass.

Time Song

Listed at a lofty 30/1, Time Song is an early pace influencer with limited form visibility. While unlikely to figure in the late stages, he could help shape the race tempo for others.

Vesting

With morning-line odds of 12/1, Vesting runs for trainer Michael Maker with Javier Castellano in the irons. Likely an Irish-bred adopter of turf routes, he brings depth to exotics but lacks prominent coverage this week.

Runaway Storm

At 20/1, Runaway Storm draws attention primarily as another early pace prospect. Pressing or dueling for position could force the pace into a tussle, beneficial for hold-up closers.

Cairo

At 7/2, Cairo stands out as the second betting choice behind the favorite. Though winless in 14 starts, his consistency and presence near the favorite make him a solid threat. Trainer A. Haynes and Ben Curtis bring experience, and he’s rumored to be the main challenger to Integration.

Fort Washington

With 4/1 odds, Fort Washington is trainer Shug McGaughey’s other strong entry. Known for tactical speed and durability, he’s a legitimate contender to make the stretch run a two-horse duel.

Grand Sonata

A reliable value option at 8/1, Grand Sonata is consistent and effective going long on turf. His recent runner-up effort in the G2 United Nations Stakes shows he's battle-ready, and while cross-entered in the Sword Dancer, indications suggest he’ll stay here.

Integration

The 8/5 favorite, Integration, is a Grade I-proven turf finisher with a powerful closing kick. Returning to Colonial Downs, where he’s had notable success, and fresh off a near-win in the G1 Manhattan Stakes, he’s the clear horse to beat, especially from the strong post 8 under John Velazquez.

This edition of the Arlington Million Stakes promises to be a true summer classic:

  • Integration offers proven form and meet-tested turf talent, ideal for win or place.
  • Mystik Dan’s dirt brilliance offers compelling turf intrigue if he adapts well.
  • Grand Sonata provides a savvy option for exotic players, especially if the pace collapses, setting up a big mid-late run.
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