Arlington Park's female handicapper talks horses

April 20, 2010 (CHICAGO)

Most people who are proficient in the art of handicapping have developed their own methods of prediction, and have found a system that they feel comfortable with when they make wagers. Overtime, they get better at it, making it more enjoyable, and sometimes a profitable hobby.

Alyssa Ali is an Arlington Park female handicapper. She is one of the only female handicappers in the country…she has her sights set on the Kentucky Derby this year, but perhaps you would like to give it a try as the Arlington Park kicks off their opening weekend. You can "learn to win" by clicking on the following link. arlingtonpark.com

(NEWS RELEASE) ARLINGTON PARK KICKS OFF OPENING WEEKEND APRIL 29-MAY 2 WITH A GREAT EVENT LINE-UP AT CHICAGO'S SUMMER PLAYGROUND

Tickets Go On Sale April 1stOn-Line for the Season That Continues Through September 26th

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. (March 8, 2010) - Arlington Park, one of Chicagoland's top must-visit summer venues, kicks off its 83rd season on Thursday, April 29. Arlington Park will host "Chicago's Largest Derby Party" as part of its opening weekend festivities April 29- May 2nd.

"Arlington Park's opening weekend begins on Thursday with a rich line-up of value entertainment options that lasts throughout the racing season," said Roy Arnold, president of Arlington Park. "Not only does Arlington Park provide top level horse racing, it is also a beautiful place to come see great concerts, art shows, July 3rd fireworks or have a family picnic all for less than it would cost to go to a professional ball game or Six Flags Great America."

Opening Day - Thursday, April 29: For the first time, Thursdays at Arlington Park, becomes "Value Day". Gates open at 11:15 a.m. The first live Arlington Park race leaves the gate at 1:00 p.m. General admission costs $4 online and $6 at the gate while value combination packages including reserved seats range in cost from $6-$12. In addition, every Thursday throughout the season is Seniors Day with $4 general admission (online and at the gate) for all guests 55 and older.

Friday, April 30: Gates open at 11:15 a.m. with racing from Churchill Downs including the simulcast of the Grade 1 Kentucky Oaks. The first live Arlington Park race leaves the gate at 3:00 p.m. continuing every Friday during the season. Advance wagering will also take place for the Kentucky Derby. General admission costs $6 online and $8 at the gate while value combination packages including reserved seats range in cost from $8-$15.

Kentucky Derby Coverage - Saturday, May 1, 2010: Arlington Park is the host for "Chicago's Largest Derby Party." In addition to an exciting live racing program, Arlington Park will simulcast the Grade 1 Kentucky Derby presented by YUM! Brands from Churchill Downs. Gates open at 9:30 a.m. as action gets underway with a strong undercard of races from Churchill, a special post time for Derby Day. The first live Arlington Park race breaks from the gate at 12:15 p.m., with 12 live races at the track. General admission for "Chicago's Largest Derby Party" costs $8 on-line and $10 at the gate while value combination packages including reserved seats range in cost from $10-$20.

Other great Derby Day activities include:

  • Live music on the Miller Lite Band Stage by Bopology.
  • The first 2,500 people to purchase their ticket online will receive an official Kentucky Derby glass.
  • Traditional Kentucky Derby themed beverages such as the Mint Julep.
  • Entertainment, fun and games for the entire family in the Park area includes the chance for kids to make their own Derby Hat.
  • Lunch packages available in the Million Room and International Room. Contact the Arlington Park reservations office at 847-385-7410 beginning April 1, 2010 for details. For more information on Arlington Park's opening weekend, visit the track's website at arlingtonpark.com.
  • About Arlington Park

    Arlington Park - the Chicago area's premier Thoroughbred racetrack located in Arlington Heights, Ill. - will run a 91-day meet in 2010 from Thursday, April 29 through Sunday, Sept. 26. Arlington Park, whose parent company is Churchill Downs Incorporated (Nasdaq: CHDN), also operates 10 off-track, simulcast-wagering facilities - Trackside Arlington Park (Arlington Heights), Trackside Chicago, Trackside Quad City Downs (East Moline), Trackside Waukegan, Shooters Bar & Grill at Don Carter Lanes featuring Trackside Rockford, Fat Sam's Bar & Grill featuring Trackside OTB in Lockport, Lucky's featuring Trackside OTB in South Elgin, Nicolino's featuring Trackside OTB in McHenry, Tad's Sports Bar & Grill featuring Trackside OTB in South Beloit and Salerno-Pincente Ristorante featuring Trackside OTB in Hodgkins. Information on Arlington Park can be found online at www.arlingtonpark.com.

    ABOUT ALYSSA ALI

    Alyssa Ali literally grew up at the racetrack and knows what it takes to pick a winner. The daughter of Chicago-based trainer Alnaz Ali, Alyssa developed a love for the racetrack at an early age. While still attending high school, Alyssa began to work at the racetrack in the television department where she mentored under longtime track television handicapper Christine Gabriel. Honing her television and communication skills at Augustana College, Alyssa returned each summer to Arlington Park where she served in numerous on-air and behind-the-scenes capacities including doing research and providing handicapping statistics for the on-air talent.

    Upon graduation, Alyssa returned to Arlington as both producer and reporter/handicapper for the track - making selections and providing analysis for prestigious races including the Arlington Million.

    Other racetracks Have been quick to recognize Alyssa's handicapping and on-air talents. Gulfstream Park in south Florida hired Alyssa to be their lead on-air handicapper and reporter for their 2010 winter/spring meet, which is recognized as one of the top tier racing meets. While in Florida, Alyssa began to appear on Horse Racing Television (HRTV) bringing her analysis of Gulfstream Park's races to a national television audience.

    In addition to returning to her duties at Arlington Park for the 2010, Alyssa has been selected to work as part of the HRTV television crew covering Kentucky Derby week at Churchill Downs.

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