ARLINGTON NOTEBOOK
SEPTEMBER 11, 2009
by Frank Cotolo
The five-day race week began a day later to include Labor Day and presented 46 races. The
favorite’s winning percentage for the week was dismal — only 26
percent. On day five, the holiday Monday, not one choice came through for the
public.
The shipper population was in full swing. Three won, including a layoff horse
from Keeneland. The other two out-of-towners pulling off victories were from
Canterbury and Presque Isle Downs. Mountaineer tallied three seconds and one off
the board out of four, proving the relatively lower-class oval’s horses to be
quite competitive.
Many of the horses on our “Watch List” have not returned to race, but a few
winners and many place and show horses have surfaced. Take the Watch List horses
(see below) into consideration their next two times out
with an emphasis on the comments. Some of these horses have raced well on
Polytrack, though not winning, and may need another surface to own up
to the touting. But keep watching them through at least two more starts.
Trainer Stats
A whopping 36 trainers accounted for the winners on holiday week, with
money-leader Wayne Catalano checking in with four victories, followed by Moises
Yanez with three and doubles from regulars James DiVito, Steve Asmussen, Thomas
Proctor, Mike Stidham and a surprise duo from the Tammy Domenosky barn.
Going into the final two weeks of the meet, which ends on September 27, it
appears Catalano will easily take the top spot, though only from purses won.
Next week we will have a more detailed account of the percentage leaders so you
can watch their stock as they move on to other tracks in October.
HORSES TO WATCH
Thursday (9/3)
1ST — UNO PECADOR (Texas Glitter) made one bold move before tiring and with a little reserve
could turn that into a winning move next time.
6TH — YOU DANCING DEVIL (Joyeux Danseur) was slow to start but revved up for a four-wide move
in a race where she was duller than she should have been.
Friday (9/4)
2ND — BOOTPRINTS (Richter Scale) finished second though she ducked and bothered a foe enough
to be disqualified. Smooth sailing next time gets her home first.
5TH — PUSH BUTTON (Eurosilver) came out of the 12 post and was pushed hard, battling five wide, and still had some gallop in the stretch.
7TH — JO’S FINALE (Pleasant Tap) had a tough start on the green from the 8 post but still
got the lead. It cost her in the end, but she may pay off with a win soon.
Saturday (9/5)
3RD — DIVINE DESIGN (Cuvee) was a ball of fire too early to maintain the pace, flying
on top to the half at 4-1.
Sunday (9/6)
2ND — WATCH PAT (Ghazi) is a Canterbury shipper that demands attention in
her next few
outings since she offered much speed on Polytrack at 5-1.
5TH — DESTINY’S REWARD (Horse Chestnut [SAf]) had the top speed in this crew,
and it was surprising to see the crowd
make her 25-1. She could show more.
Monday (9/7)
4TH — DON LOBIZON (Arg) (Southern Halo) may have found a mile on the turf too long a run because he
led commandingly into the stretch at 14-1.
5TH — ZIGAREE (Congaree) was best in the late stages of this, making a steady run of it
before the charge.
6TH — BRASS HAT (Prized) shipped in off of a start at Saratoga and just
missed. He can carry his form forward in upcoming starts.
8TH — TIZDEJAVU (Tiznow) took to the Arlington turf course after racing at Saratoga,
leaving from post 8 and dueling very wide, which ruined his chances this time.