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Saint Leon defends title in Arlington Sprint Margaret Burlingham's Saint Leon went wire-to-wire to earn a repeat victory in the $100,000 Arlington Sprint Stakes on Saturday at Arlington Park. E. T. Baird rode the Michele Boyce-trained son of Stravinsky who scored by a head over a fast-closing Hogy in 1:03 for the 5 1/2 furlongs over firm turf. The eight-year-old gelding was able to get a quick break from the gate and avoid a plethora of trouble caused by Global Power, who broke sharply inward from the outside post in the field of nine causing interference to multiple horses. "He broke great," Baird said. "He just really runs his own races. You just want to sit and wait on him. He pretty much gives you what he's got and today he really fought for it. They made him run, that's for sure, from the eighth-pole home. "He didn't want to give it up. His speed is just natural. There are no secrets about it. He just breaks out of there fast and likes to go fast. If you leave him alone, he's the type of horse who can show a rider how to ride if you pay attention to him. He'll give you the cues." Saint Leon led through fractions of :22 4/5, :46 and :57 1/5 en route to the final clocking. Hogy, who chased the winner throughout, was one of those whose chances were compromised when Global Power broke inward, but recovered nicely and finished a clear second. Global Power was third through the finish line but was disqualified and placed last. After the disqualification, the official order of finish was Saint Leon, Hogy, Chamberlain Bridge, Cherokee Lord, Bet Seattle, Yankee Injunuity, Que Posse and Batito. The Arlington Sprint was the second victory in as many starts this year for Saint Leon, who battled back from multiple injuries after being claimed for $5,000 and then claimed back by Burlingham. The $57,600 winner's share boosted his bankroll to $302,399 from a 29-14-4-3 career line. Sent off as the 6-5 favorite, Saint Leon paid $4.60, $3 and $2.40 to his backers. Bet Horseracing Free Online at TwinSpires.com
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