ARLINGTON PARK NOTEBOOK
AUGUST 21, 2009
by Frank Cotolo
Another 46-race week is in the books, and it was not as good a week for
public choices as the week before. After witnessing favorites win at a whopping
48 percent clip two weeks back, the success race dipped just below the national
average, to 30 percent.
There was no specific reason for the public’s dip in picking winners. The
fields have been mixed and full for the most part and the Polytrack is playing
to its normal capacity, still favoring close-to-the-pace and far-off-the-pace
winners to wire jobs.
There were, however, 11 wire-to-wire winners, a 24-percent rate, which is
better than most weeks for the speedsters.
Our exclusive trend, watching Churchill Downs’ shippers, did not produce a
winner, only a pair of place horses. But only seven shippers showed up and two
of them running well keeps our trend alive, especially since their second races
on the track could be the key to profits.
Only two runners were exiting a start at Hawthorne, and that small group
produced a runner-up. That group is becoming less and less, certainly not worth
watching as closely as the Churchill group.
Trainer stats
Thirty-eight trainers were responsible for winners in the 46 races. That’s
more than usual since we began the notebook.
James McMullen led with three winners. Leading trainer Wayne Catalano was
credited with three, with one coming on a disqualification. The double winners
included Anthony Granitz, Thomas Amoss (41-percent winners), Christine Janks
(17-percent winners) and Ronald Goodridge.
HORSES TO WATCH
Wednesday (8/12)
4TH — BELLA’S CASTLE (Cashel Castle) made two moves, recharging after losing
the lead, and held well.
6TH — BRAVE HUNTER (Glitterman) was not away well and then put in a poor and
disinterested effort; a true toss out.
8TH — SUPER PONI (Volponi) is a Colonial Downs shipper and went well for the
first time here, finishing third at 10-1.
Thursday (8/13)
1ST — RUNNING SHOES (Wildcat Shoes) soared to get the lead from post 10 and
battled gamely before being caught late.
4TH — ANGEL TALK (Cactus Ridge) made a bold statement at 6-1, indicating
that he might be on the verge of winning.
Friday (8/14)
3RD — SUGAR FORREST (Forestry) was claimed by Amoss, which puts him in good
standing in his next race. Expect immediate improvement off this effort no
matter where Tom places him.
10TH — DOUBT (Zavata) showed very good speed in his debut performance and
that could turn into a big price soon, as big as he was 46-1 here.
Saturday (8/15)
4TH — SIG AND ZAG (Put It Back) started to run so late, but he was
impressive as he gained a lot of ground with his turn of foot.
6TH — QUEEN MEAVE (Include) held for second gallantly after leading at 16-1.
8TH — WALLINGFORD (Cat Thief) flashed unusually fiery early speed and may
continue to show more in her upcoming starts.
Sunday (8/16)
2ND — CHESTNUT SKIES (Horse Chestnut [SAf]) had a bad start that eliminated
her from making a go of it.
4TH — TEEN (Trippi) manufactured a hot pace on the lead and was claimed off
this solid showing. She will go into the Nick Canani barn, which is
percentage-hot.
7TH — PLEASURE’S LEGACY (El Corredor) made a strong midway move that
could be the key to a big and unexpected win soon. She was 28-1 here.