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Million Preview Day runners ship out

Saturday's Arlington H. (G3) hero JUST AS WELL (A.P. Indy) came out of that run in good order and got back to his temporary base of operations in Western Pennsylvania early Sunday morning for owner/trainer Jonathan Sheppard.

"I think he's fine," said Sheppard, speaking over the phone Sunday morning. "He got back to Presque Isle Downs at about 5 a.m. (EDT) this morning."

The Arlington 'Cap is the final local prep for the August 8 Arlington Million (G1), and Just as Well would return to Chicago for the main event of the International Festival of Racing.

"That's the plan, if they don't make it too tough," Sheppard added.

Arlington H. runner-up GENTLEMAN CHESTER (Chester House) was also doing well Sunday morning, but his status for the Arlington Million is in doubt.

"He's fine," trainer Ralph Nicks said on Sunday before indicating that the Arlington Million was an unlikely target. "That might be a little ambitious. I'd say probably not."

COSMONAUT (Lemon Drop Kid), third in Saturday's Million prep, left Chicago early Sunday with no reported problems. THABAZIMBI (Empire Maker) departed late Saturday night after finishing seventh in the race as the second choice in the wagering. SILVERFOOT (With Approval), fourth in the 2008 Arlington Million and sixth by just 2 1/4 length in the Arlington 'Cap on Saturday, came out of his effort in good order and remains at Arlington with undetermined future plans.

Grade 1 heroine PURE CLAN (Pure Prize) is doing well after recording a 2 1/2-length victory on Saturday in the Modesty H. (G3).

"The boys told me she was fine when they put her on the van this morning," trainer Bob Holthus said Sunday from Louisville, Kentucky. "She's on her way back to Louisville right now."

The four-year-old chestnut is on target for a return in the Beverly D. S. (G1), sister race to the Arlington Million, according to Holthus.

"We sure plan to if things stay as they are," he said.

Modesty runner-up TIZAQUEENA (Tiznow) came out of the race "real good," according to trainer Mike Stidham, and could show up for a rematch with Pure Clan in the Beverly D.

"We're certainly going to take a look at it," Stidham said. "We're going to see who all comes and then decide."

Last year's Flower Bowl Invitational (G1) winner DYNAFORCE (Dynaformer), third in the Modesty, left Arlington Saturday night in good order. The Bill Mott charge is another who could possibly return to Chicago for the Beverly D.

REB (Stormy Atlantic) exited his head score in Saturday's American Derby (G2), the middle leg of Arlington's Mid-America Triple, in good order and left the track on a van Sunday morning in fine fettle. The Rusty Arnold trainee would appear likely to return for the August 8 Secretariat S. (G1), the final leg of the series.

GIANT OAK (Giant's Causeway), winner of the first leg of the Mid-America Triple in the May 23 Arlington Classic and Saturday's odds-on choice in the American Derby, came out of the race well and remains a possibility for the Secretariat, according to trainer Chris Block. The three-year-old chestnut finished fifth in Saturday's event but was promoted to fourth via the disqualification of OIL MAN (Ire) (Pyrus) from third to fifth.

"It was all over after that," said Block, speaking of Giant Oak's rough trip. "He was a floundering duck at the eighth pole, but I'm not making excuses. He just got beat. I'm disappointed. We'll see how he does over the next couple of weeks.

"He's fine this morning," Block added.

The John Sadler-trained Oil Man, only a half-length back on the wire of the American Derby, remains at Arlington in the care of Chicago-based Mike Stidham and is probable for the Secretariat.


 


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