Rider Carlos Marquez, Jr. has quietly been having a very strong meet at Arlington Park, going beyond his stakes win a few weeks ago.  He is third among all riders in wins — and second in route-race wins.  This week, Chicago Railbird takes a look at three grass routes in which he rides.

This week’s column looks at a pair of allowances on Thursday, as well as a salty starter-optional on Friday.  He has live horses in all of them, and you’ll learn a bit about why in the column.

Of course, I build from the theme by handicapping the races — and his horse is the top pick in one of them.  Another of the races, one of the Thursday allowances, is a wide-open filly and mare turf route.  It is a longshot player’s delight, and I have a 15/1 shot in that race who should be very live — and every cent of her morning line.

Head over to ShapperDaCapper, read the latest Chicago Railbird, and get this racing week going right!