Along with the Arlington Million, there are two other Grade 1 events on International Festival of Racing day at Arlington Park. The distaff counterpart to the Million is the $750,000 Beverly D. Stakes (G1), with a field of 9 older fillies and mares going 1 3/16 miles on the turf. Gamely Handicap winner Precious Kitten was the 2-1 favorite over Sheepshead Bay and New York Handicap winner Mauralakana at 5-2. 2006 champion juvenile filly and locally trained Dreaming of Anna, exiting a win in the Mint Julep Handicp, was the 7-2 third choice.
Dreaming of Anna was sent to the lead immediately by jockey Garrett Gomez and she set a pace of 24.27, 48.64, 1:12.71, and 1:37.04 over the firm course. Jockey Rafael Bejarano aboard Precious Kitten stalked the pace in second, about 2 lengths behind Dreaming of Anna. Turning for home, Bejarano asked Precious Kitten to challenge for the lead, and she moved alongside the pacesetter at the 3/16 marker. However, Mauralakana, who was fourth early, came out 4 wide into the lane and closed with a rush, passing the tiring pacesetters just outside the 1/16 pole and drew off to win by 1 1/4 lengths over late-running 13-1 Communique in a final time of 1:55.18. It was just 3/4 length back to Toque de Queda third. Dreaming of Anna and Precious Kitten finished fourth and fifth respectively.
