Arlington Park will offer for the first time in 2006 the "Arlington Million Turf Challenge," an online fantasy sports game that allows racing fans to select a stable of International Festival of Racing starters, which will open for registration Aug. 9.

Located at arlingtonpark.com, the game's 2006 grand prize winner will receive a VIP package for two to the 25th running of the Arlington Million in 2007.

"Arlington Million Turf Challenge" players earn points based on how well their fantasy stable performs during the Arlington Million, Beverly D. Stakes, and Secretariat Stakes, the three grade I races that comprise Arlington's International Festival of Racing Aug. 12.

"The Arlington Million Turf Challenge is free to play, and is a fun and challenging way for fans to participate in the excitement of the International Festival of Racing," said Arlington Park president Colonel Roy Arnold. "The game is an excellent way to link our online initiatives with Arlington Park's premiere racing product, the Arlington Million."

Players create their fantasy stables by selecting eight horses from the complete entries for the Arlington Million, Beverly D., and Secretariat Stakes, as well as two trainers and one jockey. Stables earn points based on how well they perform in the three races.

The player who earns the most points at the end of the game will receive a VIP trip for two to the 2007 Arlington Million, including airfare and hotel accommodations, a private backstretch tour, a trip to the paddock on Million Day, parking and dining, a $500 wagering voucher, and an exclusive Arlington Million gift bag. Second place earns $750, third place $500, and fourth place $250.

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