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10TH race Arlington Park

ARLINGTON MILLION

The complexion of Saturday's $1 million Arlington Million (G1) changed considerably on Friday with the announcement that likely pacesetter SUDAN (Ire) (Peintre Celebre) was being withdrawn due to the occurrence of a bowed tendon.na of Marmalade (Danehill) in the Prix Ganay (Fr-G1) in April, and that rival has since reeled off wins in the Tattersalls Gold Cup (Ire-G1), Prince of Wales's S. (Eng-G1) and King George VI and Queen Elizabeth S. (Eng-G1). We might be underrating this four-year-old by placing him here.

STREAM CAT (Black Minnaloushe) was an impressive 3 3/4-length winner of the Arlington H. (G3) in his first race for trainer Rusty Arnold and his first in more than eight months. Traditionally, the Arlington Handicap has been a nominal prep for the Million -- its most noted winner since 1981 (the year the Million was inaugurated) was 1992 turf champion Sky Classic, who later finished second in the Million -- and those who perform well in it usually don't follow-up in the Million. History may or may not repeat with Stream Cat, but he looked good last time and he enjoys a little give in the ground. He finished in a dead-heat for fourth in last year's edition, beaten a length, but the field seems better this year.

Cloudy's Knight, Canadian champion turf horse last year on the basis of his victory in the Canadian International (Can-G1), has not looked good in two starts this year but has often run well in the third race of his form cycle. Still, it's hard to be confident given his lackluster finishes against far weaker company. SILVERFOOT (With Approval) snapped a losing streak dating back two years when he won the Stars and Stripes Turf H. (G3) over 1 1/2 miles last time. He has always been better suited against Grade 3 types over 11 and 12 furlongs.

1st-MOUNT NELSON (GB)
2nd-ARCHIPENKO
3rd-EINSTEIN (Brz)

9TH Race Arlington Park


BEVERLY D


With apologies to Arlington's centerpiece event, the Arlington Million (G1), Saturday's $750,000 Beverly D. S. (G1) features the deepest field on the three-race International Festival of Racing program. DREAMING OF ANNA (Rahy), MAURALAKANA (Fr) (Muhtathir [GB]) and PRECIOUS KITTEN (Catienus) are perhaps the three best turf distaffers in the United States, and there's quality in the remaining cast. Nine will square off in the 1 3/16-mile affair.

Dreaming of Anna likes the turf at Arlington, easily winning both previous attempts over the local sod, and appears to be entering this event in peak form. Trained by Arlington dynamo Wayne Catalano (44 percent win rate from 95 starts this meet), the four-year-old filly exits a sharp front-running score in the 1 1/16-mile Mint Julep H. (G3) at Churchill Downs, recording her third consecutive triple-digit BRIS Speed rating in the 2 1/2-length decision, and she's proven extremely effective at nine furlongs, winning three of her last four attempts. The chestnut will have to stretch out a little in distance, but we don't envision that being an impediment. Dreaming of Anna is training exceptionally well by all reports and is well-drawn on the rail with Garrett Gomez. She can lead all the way.

Mauralakana has taken her game to another level this season. A solid performer at the graded level previously, she's developed into the best turf distaffer on the East Coast since being transferred to Christophe Clement over the winter, winning four-of-five starts, including her last three. The bay is a strong closer, earning BRIS Late Pace ratings as high as 114, and she'll probably get more pace to run at this occasion. Her latest wins in the New York S. (G2) and Sheepshead Bay H. (G2) were both impressive, and Mauralakana figures to offer another stout late charge under Kent Desormeaux.

COMMUNIQUE (Smart Strike) could get into the mix at a decent price. A good-looking 3 3/4-length winner of the Modesty H. (G3) over the course last out, the Rusty Arnold-trained lass will face a severe step up in class, but she's really on the improve, winning three of her last four starts, with the lone setback coming at 1 1/16 miles. Communique likes longer distances, so the 9 1/2 furlongs is the perfect fit, and she owns a terrific late kick. The four-year-old owns the best chance at an upset.

Precious Kitten looks very dangerous. She exits another top-class performance, a smart 2 1/4-length tally in the Gamely S. (G1) at Hollywood Park, but the Bobby Frankel-trained mare exited that start with a quarter crack, which necessitated a 75-day freshening. We're inclined to try and beat her in this spot. Precious Kitten has run her best races on the West Coast, winning her last four starts, including three Grade 1s, in Southern California, and she's the 9-5 favorite on the morning line here. She still figures to sit a perfect stalking trip under Rafael Bejarano.

ROSINKA (Ire) (Soviet Star) will be up close tracking Dreaming of Anna and could possibly hold for a small share. The Graham Motion-trained mare doesn't need the early lead to win, but she's found herself in that spot in her last three starts. She may benefit from a slight change in tactics, and the five-year-old showed her class last fall when finishing a close second to champion Lahudood (GB) in the Flower Bowl Invitational S. (G1). Consider for the exotics at long odds.

CICEROLE (Fr) (Barathea [Ire]) exits a runner-up effort in a Group 3 event at Epsom Downs, and the French-based filly can't be completely dismissed from top-three consideration on Saturday. The Jean-Claude Rouget trainee is very honest, registering a 3-3-0 mark in her last six outings, and has been off-the-board only once in her 10-race career. The far outside post is a drawback, however, and we'll have to let Cicerole beat us.

MERIBEL (Peaks and Valley) is a fine closer, but she might need softer company to be a factor. CIAO (Lear Fan) is likely facing too much of a class hike. French invader TOQUE DE QUEDA (GB) (Dansili [GB]) will stretch out in distance off three starts at a mile this season, but there is little in her 2008 form to indicate she can challenge here.

1st-DREAMING OF ANNA
2nd-MAURALAKANA (Ire)
3rd-COMMUNIQUE

8TH Arlington Park

SECRETARIAT Stakes

The $400,000 Secretariat S. (G1) kicks off the three-race International Festival of Racing at Arlington, and American Derby (G2) hero TIZDEJAVU (Tiznow) is an overwhelming favorite on the morning line at 6-5. The Greg Fox-trained colt is three-for-three since moving to the turf, recording wins in the Crown Royal American Turf (G3) and Jefferson Cup (G2) at Churchill Downs prior to the American Derby at Arlington, but we'll try to beat the favorite.

WINCHESTER (Theatrical [Ire]) will make his U.S. debut with first-time blinkers and Lasix, and we'll give the Dermot Weld runner top billing. A smart maiden winner in his seasonal bow at Leopardstown in April, the bay colt finished a commendable second, beaten only a half-length, when stepping up in class for the Silver S. next out at The Curragh. He then suffered a nightmarish trip in the King Edward VII S. (Eng-G2), checking in an excusable eighth following serious trouble at the start. In the Irish Derby (Ire-G1) last out, he caught yielding turf which he never appeared comfortable over. We'll look for much better here. Winchester is proven over firm turf, and Saturday's conditions should favor him. Jockey Rene Douglas figures to get him covered up in the early stages from post 2, and Weld gets his runners ready to fire when invading the States. The Virginia-bred colt is a fine upset candidate.

Tizdejavu will offer no value, but it's difficult to leave him off any multi-race wagers. He appeared to be laboring a little in the stretch of the American Derby last time, but the soft footing may be to blame. In his previous start over firm ground at Churchill, the bay colt looked brilliant recording a four-length decision. Tizdejavu will be stepping up to face better horses here while seeking a fourth straight graded win -- a tall task for any horse -- and SECRET GETAWAY (Skip Away) threatens to soften him up a little on the front end. However, we certainly won't be surprised to see him lead all the way.

PLAN (Storm Cat) also merits serious consideration. Trained by Aidan O'Brien, who is enjoying a record-breaking season in Europe and captured the 2000 Secretariat with Ciro, the chestnut colt knocked off older rivals when annexing the Keeneland International S. (Ire-G3) last out at The Curragh, but the quality of those rivals remains in question. The lightly raced colt is still a very promising individual, but we'll use him only on the bottom of the exotics.

YOUR ROUND (Distorted Humor) gave a good account of himself when finishing fourth in the Virginia Derby (G2) last out and third in the Colonial Turf Cup (G3) two back, and he's earned whopping BRIS Late Pace ratings of 110 and 107 in previous turf starts. We like the way he's rounding into form for Mark Hubley and give him an upset chance under John Velazquez, but a minor award is much more feasible.

Secret Getaway exits a pair of stakes wins at Woodbine for Michael Stidham, including a 3 1/4-length romp in his turf debut last time, but the chestnut drew the far outside post and will be facing a serious class hike. PRIME REALESTATE (Prime Timber) will be running late for Wayne Catalano, but the stakes-placed colt has major class concerns in this spot. You have to respect his connections, but we can't recommend the chestnut.

SR. HENRY (Straight Man) rallied for runner-up honors in the American Derby, but some horse had to be second in that event. The bay gelding had finished off the board in his three previous turf attempts versus allowance rivals, and this spot will likely prove too difficult. SNOOSE GOOSE (Aptitude) exits a decent runner-up effort at Canterbury and is a winner over this course, but he appears in too deep here. STRAIT OF MEWSINA (Ire) (Spartacus) will need to improve significantly just to finish in the middle of the pack.

1st-WINCHESTER
2nd-TIZDEJAVU
3rd-PLAN

For the pick three I like

8th race- #6 Tizdejavu with Gomez G K riding

9th race- #1 Dreaming of Anna with Gomez G K riding

10th race #6 Einstein (BRZ) with Albarado R J riding

LA JOLLA 9TH DMR


Saturday's $150,000 La Jolla H. (G2) will feature 10 sophomores going 8 1/2 grassy furlongs at Del Mar, and Cinema H. (G3) winner TIZ WEST (Gone West) will be seeking his second straight stakes win. He's captured three of four since being switched to the turf by trainer Richard Mandella, and the bay Kentucky-bred displayed plenty of heart last time, gamely withstanding a furious three-horse finish to win by a nose. The improving colt should benefit from that experience, and we'll look for him to keep moving forward with a victory here.

TANGLED TANGO (Petionville) finished strongly in the second division of the Oceanside, making up a lot of ground in the stretch to miss by 1 1/4 lengths in third, and we respect his chances in his graded debut. Trained by the ever-dangerous Julio Canani, Tangled Tango broke from post 9 last time, but he's much more advantageously positioned in the innermost post on Saturday. Look for jockey Tyler Baze to save ground during the early stages, and Tangled Tango is a serious threat to get involved late.

JUNGLE WAVE (Hold That Tiger) will show speed from post 3 and could last a long way under Joseph Talamo. He exits a commendable third in the first division of the Oceanside, missing by only a half-length, and gained valuable seasoning in his first start versus stakes rivals. The Jerry Hollendorfer-trained gelding could continue to show more.

MORAL COMPASS (Grand Slam) is another one to consider for the exotics. Formerly trained on the East Coast by Barclay Tagg, he gave a fine account of himself when making his California bow last time for Jack Carava. The dark bay colt figures to sit a good stalking trip under Corey Nakatani, and he owns a solid finishing kick.

LIBERIAN FIGHTER (Bertrando) had the advantage of an inside post last time in the second division of the Oceanside, but he must deal with the far outside gate on Saturday. The Neil Drysdale-trained gelding has the qualifications to challenge for a minor award, finishing third in his last two starts versus stakes rivals, but he could find himself compromised by the bad post. SKY CAPE (Najran) owns a nice 7-3-3-0 mark on the turf, but we're not convinced 8 1/2 furlongs is his best distance despite his victory at Golden Gate Fields last time. We'll go against the honest Kristin Mulhall runner.

NOWNOWNOW (Whywhywhy) was sent to Europe after winning the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf, but that decision didn't pay any dividends as the bay colt performed terribly in his lone 2008 appearance. That race came against much better company, but the bay colt probably didn't get a whole lot out of his last-place effort. His connections could've picked any easier spot for his return, and we doubt he'll be sharp enough to challenge here.

CORONEL MOLDES (Repent) wasn't much of a factor when making his U.S. debut in the first division of the Oceanside, and we'll give him at least one more start stateside before backing. MADEO (Mizzen Mast) was no factor when finishing fourth in the Swaps S. (G2) over the Cushion Track last time, and we can't find any reason to recommend his chances in his turf bow. ZETTERBERG (El Corredor) broke his maiden two starts back sprinting on the grass and appears overmatched against these rivals.

1st-TIZ WEST
2nd-TANGLED TANGO
3rd-JUNGLE WAVE

MONMOUTH OAKS 9TH-MTH

Seven three-year-old fillies have been entered in Saturday's $150,000 Monmouth Oaks (G3) over the Oceanport, New Jersey, track, and ACOMA (Empire Maker) looks to return to the winner's circle on the class drop. The David Carroll-trained bay missed in her debut on March 13, but proceeded to take her next three, including the Dogwood S. (G3) going the Monmouth Oaks' distance of 8 1/2 furlongs. She returned off that May 31 event to tackle some of the best in her division in the 10-furlong Coaching Club American Oaks (G1) last out and was no threat late. Acoma probably needed that one off the break and will likely show much more here while reverting in distance. Elvis Trujillo picks up the mount.

AFRICAN VIOLET (Lemon Drop Kid) was a front-running winner of the Polly's Jet S. going 1 1/16 miles, then finished second in her next two, the Susan's Girl S. and Delaware Oaks (G2). In that latter event, the chestnut miss was just three parts of a length back on the line after leading in the stretch and earned a 102 BRIS Late Pace rating. She's been training well for conditioner Graham Motion and could get the job done here under Eddie Castro.

MAREN'S MEADOW (Meadowlake) won the Bourbonette Oaks (G3) over Turfway Park's Polytrack in late March but threw in a bomb when distanced in the Black-Eyed Susan S. (G2) in her next one. She came back to be fourth in the Delaware Oaks, leading during the early part of the race before tiring late, and could improve in this spot with that one under her girth. Terry Thompson has the call.

OPEN SKIES (Defrere) had a two-race win streak broken when trying the turf for the first time in the Staybridge Suites S. one week ago, but ran well to take second in that event. The Tim Hills trainee will challenge for the early lead here and could forget to stop under Jose Lezcano. WHIRLIE BERTIE (Stormin Fever) has won her past three by a total of 12 3/4 lengths at Churchill Downs and could surprise in her stakes debut under Calvin Borel. Don't discount the dark bay filly.

POPULIST (Fusaichi Pegasus) has won her past two and could earn a share here, especially if the track comes up muddy. PHILLY GAL (Doneraile Court) has been well-beaten by stakes rivals in the past and we don't see her doing any better in this spot.

1st-ACOMA
2nd-AFRICAN VIOLET
3rd-MAREN'S MEADOW

Winchester won by a huge margin going off at 7.5 to 1 paying $17 to win!

Can't argue with that !

Acoma ran 2nd @ Monmouth paid $3.80 to place

Dreaming of Anna finished 4th in the 9th @Arlington

Arlington 10th up next. It's on ESPN