Big day of stakes races at Arlington on Saturday

If you loves stakes races on the turf, then Arlington Park is the place to be Saturday with a Million Preview Day card that features four Grade III races with purses totaling $750,000.

The 12-race card includes the Grade III $200,000 American Derby, the Grade III $200,000 Modesty Handicap, the Grade III $200,000 Arlington Handicap and the $150,000 Stars and Stripes.

And if that’s not enough incentive, Arlington will also kick off a special $100,000 Guaranteed Pick 4, covering races 7-10 that will include all four of the graded turf stakes.

In the Stars and Stripes, the Mike Maker-trained Dark Cove, with Rosie Napravnik aboard, figures to go off as the heavy favorite in the 1½ mile turf marathon.

Maker also has the morning-line favorite in the American Derby in Admiral Kitten, who will be ridden by Julien Leparoux.

Colonial Flag (5-2) heads a field of eight in what looks like a wide-open Modesty Handicap, while Dullahan, Rahystrada, Coalport and Keep Up head an uber-strong field in the American Derby.

In addition to the big races, the grass-laden card also features the $65,000 Coach Jimi Lee Stakes.

JVB in the house:Hall of Fame trainer Jack Van Berg, who became the first trainer to win 5,000 races when he saddled Art#146;s Chandelle to victory at Arlington Park on July 15, 1987, will be at Arlington on Million Preview Day to sign copies of his biography #147;Jack, From Grit to Glory.#148;Racing fans will be able to purchase copies of the book for $20 and have it autographed by Van Berg from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. just outside of the Arlington Gift Store on the Apron level adjacent to the Food Court.Rosie should be riveting:Jockey Rosie Napravnik will be the special guest of the Daily Herald#146;s and Horseplayernow.com#146;s Joe Kristufek during Saturday#146;s #147;Learn to Win#148; seminar (1 to 3:30 p.m) located at Arlington University in the Park.Currently fourth in the nation in wins with 165 and fifth in purses with just over $7 million, Napravnik will be on hand for an interview session and short meet and greet with fans.In addition, Kristufek and the #147;AU#148; staff will teach simple wagering lessons and answer any questions fans may have.