This Saturday’s card at Arlington features a pair of state-bred turf stakes: the Mike Spellman Memorial Handicap and the Black Tie Affair Handicap.

Though both drew short fields, they both drew fields as classy as you’ll ever see in a state-bred stakes race.  The Black Tie Affair, for open company, not only drew multiple Grade 1 winner The Pizza Man, but also defending champion Cammack and dependable old warrior Super Soldier.  The Spellman drew Grade 3 winner Prado’s Sweet Ride, multiple graded stakes placed Lovely Loyree, and defending champion Stormin Elle.  One thing is certain: whoever wins these races will have fought for it, and will have beaten good horses to do it.

Head over to Picks and Ponderings, read my preview of Saturday’s stakes at Arlington, and let me know your thoughts in the comments!