ARLINGTON PARK NOTEBOOK
AUGUST 28, 2009
by Frank Cotolo
The 46-race week has become the norm for now and the most recent week, from
August 19 through August 23, takes us closer to the end of summer. As well, the rate
of 30-percent winning favorites was solid for the second-straight week.
There were fewer wire-to-wire winners this week. The Polytrack and the turf
course continue to favor stalking styles. Few horses on the dirt or
turf are coming out of the clouds to win. However, there have not been many
speed duels, so late-charging conditions have been far less than ideal.
Our Churchill Downs’ shippers trend was a worthless deal last week, with only
three horses coming back and one finishing third. The Hawthorne returnees
numbered only two and were both off the board. Forget following that one but
still keep an eye on the Churchill horses.
The level of shippers, overall, is very high. We noticed, in only five days
of racing, horses from a few tracks that we have not seen travel to Arlington
recently. Among them are Tampa Bay Downs, Evangeline, Philadelphia, Monmouth,
Oaklawn, Fair Grounds, Gulfstream and Lone Star. They all seem to be needing at
least a race over the dirt (see list below for some to seriously follow).
Trainer stats
Thirty-three trainers succeeded with horses since our last notebook. Wayne
Catalano remains atop the money-earnings list and tallied five more winners this
week to maintain the status.
James DiVito had three, which amounts to 100 percent more than the week
before. The double winners included Chris Block, James Gulick, Charlie Livesay,
James McMullen (that’s five in two weeks for Jim), Hugh Robertson, Joel Berndt
and Brian Williamson.
The hot percentage trainers using this week’s stats are Thomas Amoss,
winning at a 40-percent clip, and Dale Bennett, with a 32-percent average.
HORSES TO WATCH
Wednesday (8/19)
1ST — LORD OF THE GAME (Saint Ballado) stumbled at the start, made a great attempt to steady
and return to the contest, dueling in fourth before tiring.
6TH — LOGAN’S PRIZE (Prized) was in tight quarters while being rated, then steadied
when asked to move, offering little chance to compete.
7TH — SHAQUITA (Alke) set the pace well at 12-1 and kept going until being caught.
Thursday (8/20)
2ND — SKY N MIGHTY (Sky Mesa) laid back and then the Canterbury shipper was rushed
well to get in the fray.
4TH — HOLE IN ONE (Tiger Ridge) was rated while preparing for a big kick, going four wide
and finishing strongly.
Friday (8/21)
1ST — CARDIOLOGIST (Lion Heart) had problems midway through the race in
traffic but came on well late, putting in a good performance for a Gulfstream
shipper.
8TH — LIGHTHOUSE JUDGE (Slew City Slew) raced nervously early and as his jock held him to
settle, the horse was pinched and gave way.
10TH — PRETTY KITTY (Sir Cat) was jumpy at the gate but the 23-1 shot made an
impressive late charge, going six wide.
Saturday (8/22)
5TH — CALLMESOMETHIN (Scrimshaw) started from the 11 post at 10-1 and had great early
speed, leading gallantly until caught.
6TH — BLESS YOU CHILD (Truluck) showed speed in her turf debut and that is the best sign a
maiden can show. Positive conditions for next out, especially getting lone-speed
status.
Sunday (8/23)
6TH — LANDERS (Crafty Friend) led to three-quarters as an astounding 25-1 shot, enough of a
warning to get on this list
8TH — SIDCUP (Running Stag) has early foot before being shuffled and the 13-1 shot stayed
inside with a second-move rally late.