June, 2023 | Horse Racing Free Tips

Chicago Bears To Explore Other Stadium Options Besides Arlington Park

Citing tax issues, the National Football League's Chicago Bears have publicly announced their plans to extend their search beyond the recently purchased Arlington Park as the site of their new stadium, NBC5 Chicago reports.

For those looking for a spark to preserve the racetrack, shuttered since 2021, hope still appears dim. The team has already received approval and plans to continue with phase one of the project to build the stadium, which calls for the demolition of the grandstand, paddock, and jock's room.

A statement from the Chicago Bears to NBC5 Chicago read as follows:

“The Chicago Bears goal of building the largest single development project in Illinois history led by billions of dollars in private capital investment, and the jobs and economic benefits generated, is at risk in Arlington Heights. The stadium-based project remains broadly popular in Arlington Heights, Chicagoland and the state. However, the property's original assessment at five times the 2021 tax value, and the recent settlement with Churchill Downs for 2022 being three times higher, fails to reflect the property is not operational and not commercially viable in its current state. We will continue the ongoing demolition activity and work toward a path forward in Arlington Heights, but it is no longer our singular focus. It is our responsibility to listen to other municipalities in Chicagoland about potential locations that can deliver on this transformational opportunity for our fans, our club and the State of Illinois.”

Thomas W. Hayes, the mayor of Arlington Heights, Ill., told NBC5 Chicago that the announcement by the Bears to shop other potential venues was “not an unexpected development.”

The Bears closed on Arlington Park, previously owned by Churchill Downs Inc., in February, paying $197.2 million for the 326-acre property.

With the Bears making their intentions known that other options are on the table, other Chicagoland communities have reached out to enter the running as the team's new home. Among them was Naperville, Ill., on the western outskirts of Metro Chicago near Aurora, Ill. The city's mayor has reached out to the team publicly and privately about attracting the stadium.

‘These Are The Opportunities You Work For’: Chris Davis Grateful For Opportunity With Oaks Third The Alys Look

Three days after running a good third in the May 5 Kentucky Oaks, The Alys Look found herself in a new home with a new trainer. No longer was she a part of the powerhouse Brad Cox stable.

Instead, in the aftermath of the Kentucky Oaks, owners Ike and Dawn Thrash transferred The Alys Look and seven other horses from Cox to relative newcomer Christopher Davis. On Saturday, the 34-year-old Davis will saddle his first starter at Santa Anita when The Alys Look goes in the G2 Summertime Oaks at 1 1/16 miles. She is the 5-2 favorite on the morning line.

“These are the opportunities you work for,” said Davis, who hails from a racing background. His mother is the longtime Chicagoland trainer Liane P. Davis and father is racetrack veteran Herschel Davis.

The Alys Look, who was 30-1 when beaten just 2 ¾ lengths by Pretty Mischievous in the Kentucky Oaks, will break from the rail under Hall of Famer Mike Smith on Saturday.

“Brad did a fantastic job with her. She's very sound, a big rangy two-turn horse,” Davis said. “She's extremely classy, nothing seems to faze her. She has handled shipping cross country just fine.”

The Alys Look arrived at Santa Anita a week ago Wednesday, May 24. She has not had a work locally. Her last drill was May 19 at Keeneland when going four furlongs in 48.80 seconds. Instead of a timed workout at Santa Anita, Davis has given The Alys Look a series of mile and one half gallops to prepare.

“Obviously she ran hard going a mile-and-an-eighth in the Kentucky Oaks,” Davis said.

“She's a big filly, but not a heavy filly. I liked what I saw with her last work. She's fit. I just wanted to get her fresh as possible so she isn't dull. It seems like she handled the surface and track here just fine.”

By Connect, The Alys Look is proving to be a consistent filly for the Thrashes. Prior to the Kentucky Oaks, she won the Silverbulletday at Fair Grounds Jan. 21 and was third in the G2 Fair Grounds Oaks March 25. She has not missed the board since earning her diploma at Fair Grounds Dec. 1.

“Se seems to always run her race,” Davis said.

The decision to ship West for the Summertime was based on a number of factors, he added.

“There really aren't any Grade 2's back east until later in the summer. We'd like to win a graded stakes with her and timing wise this set up good for our plan,” Davis said. “We also wanted to dodge some of the heavy heads out there that are going to the Grade I Acorn at Belmont Park.”

Davis said his history with the Thrashes dates back to his time as an assistant for trainer Michael Stidham. They approached him “a few months ago” asking how many horses he had and if he'd be willing to take more.

“I said absolutely,” Davis said.

After starting with two horses in October 2016, Davis now has about 30 under his care at his Keeneland base. In addition to The Alys Look, the Thrashes also sent him four 2-year-olds and three other horses.

“It's been a grind,” Davis said of his young training career. “This is a very competitive business to get started in, especially when you are a little younger. You just have to work hard and eventually get lucky. Hope for an opportunity. Kind of like this one, where somebody takes a chance on you.”

Davis's last stint as an assistant was at Santa Anita with trainer Phil D'Amato, who he said played a key a role in giving him his start.

“Phil asked me if I want to go out on my own. He said he had a guy with a couple of horses to get me started if I wanted to go back to the Midwest,” Davis said. “I thought about it for a while, figured it would be a good fit, so I jumped at it.”

Davis's first win came Nov. 27 2016 at Fair Grounds with the Irish-bred Uncork the York. He now has 146 wins to his credit. Davis's lone graded stakes triumph came in the 2021 G3 Modesty Stakes at Arlington Park with Naval Laughter.

“Hopefully we'll get another one Saturday,” Davis said. “I think she stacks up well, at least numbers wise. You never know until they actually run against each other obviously.”

The Summertime goes as the eighth race on Saturday's nine-race card. Post time is scheduled for 4:44 p.m. The field in post position order: