Matron, Classic highlight action at Arlington

Upperline has already captured two stakes this year (Lynn Roberts/Hodges Photography)

The probable favorite in the Arlington Matron, a nine-furlong Polytrack test
for older fillies and mares, is UPPERLINE (Maria’s Mon), who exits a
disappointing last-place effort in the Churchill Distaff Turf Mile (G2). The
Mike Stidham-trained filly entered the Derby Day feature on a high note with
three wins in her previous four starts, including an authoritative four-length
score in the Bayou H. at Fair Grounds, but failed to fire after being forced to
steady at the start.

Upperline has two wins from three prior outings at Arlington, including a 4
3/4-length romp over course and distance last summer in the Arlington Oaks (G3).
Robby Albarado, who’s endured a difficult season due to injury and being
replaced aboard Animal Kingdom (Leroidesanimaux [Brz]) one day before the colt’s
victory in the Kentucky Derby (G1), has the call.

English trainer Gerard Butler, who is based at Arlington this season, will
saddle PACHATTACK (Pulpit) for the Matron. The five-year-old made three North
American appearances last year between stays in England, finishing in mid-pack
in the Beverly D. S. (G1) and E.P. Taylor S. (Can-G1) before romping in
Woodbine’s Maple Leaf S. by 5 3/4 lengths going 1 1/4 miles on the Polytrack, a
performance that could make her one of the favorites here.

Willcox Inn, seen here working for last year’s Breeders’ Cup, returns to the turf on Saturday (Harold Roth/Horsephotos.com)

MILWAUKEE APPEAL (Milwaukee Brew) is winless since her Canadian champion
three-year-old filly season of 2009. Though she placed last year in the Spinster
S. (G1), Molly Pitcher S. (G2) and Shuvee H. (G2), she’s run far below par in
her last three outings. Also in the field is LA GRAN BAILADORA (Afleet Alex), a
stakes winner over Turfway’s Polytrack in February.

The Arlington Classic, for three-year-olds over 1 1/16 miles on the turf,
kicks off Arlington’s Mid-America Triple, which continues with the July 9
American Derby and ends with the August 13 Secretariat. WILLCOX INN (Harlan’s
Holiday), who defeated Animal Kingdom in their mutual debut over Arlington’s
main track in September, went on to place in the Breeders’ Futurity (G1),
Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf (G2) and Grindstone S. before finishing eighth in
the Blue Grass S. (G1) last month. He adds blinkers while in search of his first
turf win and goes for the trainer/jockey team of Stidham and Albarado.