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ARLINGTON NOTEBOOK July 21, 2010 by David Zenner Last weekend's Million Preview Day trio of stakes races -- the Arlington H. (G3), the Modesty H. (G3) and the American Derby (G2) -- shed some light on possible starters in next month's troika of Grade 1 races – the Arlington Million, the $750,000 Beverly D. and the $400,000 Secretariat S. Arlington Million It appears likely that at least the first two finishers in the Arlington H., Rahystrada (Rahy) and Just as Well (A.P. Indy), are likely to run back in the August 21 Million. "We're going to see how he comes out of his race (Saturday) for the next few days and then take a look at the Million," said Byron Hughes, trainer of Rahystrada. "We're certainly going to keep it on the front burner. I'm pretty excited about that possibility after the way he ran (Saturday)." Hughes was also quick to compliment winning rider Inez Karlsson, who became the first female jockey to win the Arlington H. and would also be the first female rider to win the Arlington Million should they accomplish that feat together. "She rode him the way she usually does and put him in a position to win it," said Hughes of Karlsson. "All I had to do was hope there was enough horse under her." "I'm very happy with the way (Just as Well) ran (Saturday)," Sheppard said. "We know how to get there, now. We'll be back." General Quarters (Sky Mesa), who finished sixth in the Handicap, hurt his ankle in the race and won't return for the Million. "He came up with a bum ankle," owner/trainer Tom McCarthy said. "The jock (Rafael Bejarano) said he thought the ground was too hard for him, but the ankle was probably already bothering him during the race. "I thought we'd be a long time cooling him out after the race because it was such a hot, muggy day, so I drove my wife back to the hotel (adjacent to Arlington) right after the race and came right back to the track while (trainer) Cory (Patton) hotwalked him. By the time I got back 10 minutes later, Cory already had him cooled out. So that means the horse didn't even try. "We'll take some X-rays when we get him home to see what they show," McCarthy said, "but I would say the Arlington Million is out. To try and come back in five weeks is too quick for us even if nothing shows up on the X-rays." Beverly D. Stakes On the morning after Saturday's Modesty H., all indications were that Tuscan Evening (Ire) (Oasis Dream [GB]) and Eclair de Lune (Ger) (Marchand de Sable), who finished first and second, respectively, in the 1 3/16-mile event, would be pointed for a rematch in the 20th renewal of the Beverly D. Secretariat Stakes Following his 2 1/4-length win in the American Derby and an earlier win in the 75th renewal of the Arlington Classic May 22, Workin for Hops (City Zip) becomes the first horse in a position to sweep Arlington's Mid-America Triple since 1997 should he be able to win the Secretariat on August 21. "That's what we'll be looking at next," trainer Mike Stidham said Sunday morning. "Our horse came out of yesterday's race very well and he looks great this morning." Paddy O'Prado (El Prado [Ire]), a dominant winner of the Virginia Derby (G2) at Colonial Downs despite traffic problems, is also likely for the Secretariat as is Mister Marti Gras (Belong to Me), runner-up in the American Derby at almost 20-1 in the wagering. "I was tickled with the way he ran," trainer Chris Block said of Mister Marti Gras. "He seemed to come out of that win in Indiana (Indiana Downs' $200,000 Oliver S. June 30) with a lot more confidence in himself. I really thought he would run well (Saturday) and I wasn't disappointed. He's got a lot of talent and we're thinking of going in the Secretariat." HORSES TO WATCH Sunday (7/18) 3RD -- GAMBLERS REWARD (Smart Strike) was stuck on the rail around the far turn then forced five-wide in the stretch. Closed well but came up a length short. 6TH -- CATCH THAT KITTEN (Kitten's Joy) drew wide and raced four- to five-wide throughout, falling a neck short. Graduates with easier trip next time.
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