ARLINGTON NOTEBOOK
MAY 26, 2010
by David Zenner
Beware the Invaders
The first two major stakes races of the meet were held last week and served
as a reminder to always pay attention to any mount picked up by the
Churchill-based Robby Albarado.
Though the Cajun-born reinsman had been “slumping” of late with a string of
second-place runs at his home base, a trip to his old Windy City stomping
grounds was just what the doctor ordered as Albarado went home with all the
hardware, sweeping the $200,000 American One Thousand Guineas aboard BAY TO BAY
(Sligo Bay [Ire]) and the $100,000 Arlington Classic astride WORKIN FOR HOPS
(City Zip).
Speaking of Workin for Hops, trainer Mike Stidham indicated that the next
likely spot would be the $300,000 American Derby (G2) on July 17.
The Tracks
Any biases — perceived or otherwise — on Arlington’s Polytrack seem to have
evaporated during week four with the synthetic surface playing more or less fair
the entire week, with perhaps a slight tilt toward closers on Saturday’s
program.
The turf was been kinder to those coming off the pace last week, but not
overwhelmingly so, and is playing 60-40 in favor of those coming from off the
pace for the entire season.
The Human Element
Junior Alvarado, Arlington’s 2009 leading rider, continues to hold the hot
hand and remained on top of this year’s standings with six victories last week.
Michael Baze continues to prove that he made right decision coming to Chicago,
booting home five winners last week. James Graham shook off an early-meet slump
to also record five wins last week.
On the flip side, mainstays Chris Emigh, Brandon Meier and Quincy Hamilton
struggled to find the winner’s circle last week and will look to reverse that
trend when the racing week here resumes on Thursday. Also, Inez Karlsson will
return from a three-day suspension for a minor riding infraction.
There were no real surprises on the trainer side of the docket with the usual
suspects — Nick Canani, Larry Rivelli, Wayne Catalano, Frank Kirby and
Christine Janks — all having multiple-win weeks.
Ingrid Mason continues to excel with limited stock, going two for two last
week.
HORSES TO WATCH
Thursday (5/20)
1ST — Two-year-old LOCK N LOLA (Pvt. Lynch) bobbled and bumped at the break
but showed great poise in recovering to pick up a piece in the season’s first
baby race. The experience will no doubt help in her return bid.
5TH — MOM CAT (Crypto Star), a 25-1 longshot, swung well wide and closed
strongly for the place money. Worth a look at a price for the bottom tag.
8TH — CANDYONMYMIND (Richter Scale) hit the gate at the start and lost a lot
of ground coming away from there but still managed a good second at a square
price.
9TH — COOL C NOTE (Bernstein) found all sorts of trouble and was steadied
early and late.
Saturday (5/22)
1ST — GOLDEN TEARDROP (Kugelis) swerved at the start and then was carried
well wide into the lane.
Sunday (5/23)
3RD — STRONG STAG (Running Stag) lost all chance when hopping at the break.
Closed well for a minor piece.
Up Next
The first graded stakes of the season are scheduled for Saturday with the
$150,000 Arlington Matron (G3) and $100,000 Hanshin Cup (G3) sharing top
billing.
Don’t forget, this week will be the first of three five-day racing weeks with
racing on the Memorial Day holiday. The other two Monday programs will be
July 5 and Labor Day (September 6).