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ARLINGTON NOTEBOOK MAY 26, 2010 by David Zenner Beware the Invaders The first two major stakes races of the meet were held last week and served as a reminder to always pay attention to any mount picked up by the Churchill-based Robby Albarado. Though the Cajun-born reinsman had been "slumping" of late with a string of second-place runs at his home base, a trip to his old Windy City stomping grounds was just what the doctor ordered as Albarado went home with all the hardware, sweeping the $200,000 American One Thousand Guineas aboard BAY TO BAY (Sligo Bay [Ire]) and the $100,000 Arlington Classic astride WORKIN FOR HOPS (City Zip). Speaking of Workin for Hops, trainer Mike Stidham indicated that the next likely spot would be the $300,000 American Derby (G2) on July 17. The Tracks Any biases -- perceived or otherwise -- on Arlington's Polytrack seem to have evaporated during week four with the synthetic surface playing more or less fair the entire week, with perhaps a slight tilt toward closers on Saturday's program. The turf was been kinder to those coming off the pace last week, but not overwhelmingly so, and is playing 60-40 in favor of those coming from off the pace for the entire season. The Human Element Junior Alvarado, Arlington's 2009 leading rider, continues to hold the hot hand and remained on top of this year's standings with six victories last week. Michael Baze continues to prove that he made right decision coming to Chicago, booting home five winners last week. James Graham shook off an early-meet slump to also record five wins last week. On the flip side, mainstays Chris Emigh, Brandon Meier and Quincy Hamilton struggled to find the winner's circle last week and will look to reverse that trend when the racing week here resumes on Thursday. Also, Inez Karlsson will return from a three-day suspension for a minor riding infraction. There were no real surprises on the trainer side of the docket with the usual suspects -- Nick Canani, Larry Rivelli, Wayne Catalano, Frank Kirby and Christine Janks -- all having multiple-win weeks. Ingrid Mason continues to excel with limited stock, going two for two last week. HORSES TO WATCH Thursday (5/20) 1ST -- Two-year-old LOCK N LOLA (Pvt. Lynch) bobbled and bumped at the break but showed great poise in recovering to pick up a piece in the season's first baby race. The experience will no doubt help in her return bid. 5TH -- MOM CAT (Crypto Star), a 25-1 longshot, swung well wide and closed strongly for the place money. Worth a look at a price for the bottom tag. 8TH -- CANDYONMYMIND (Richter Scale) hit the gate at the start and lost a lot of ground coming away from there but still managed a good second at a square price. 9TH -- COOL C NOTE (Bernstein) found all sorts of trouble and was steadied early and late. Saturday (5/22) 1ST -- GOLDEN TEARDROP (Kugelis) swerved at the start and then was carried well wide into the lane. Sunday (5/23) 3RD -- STRONG STAG (Running Stag) lost all chance when hopping at the break. Closed well for a minor piece. Up Next The first graded stakes of the season are scheduled for Saturday with the $150,000 Arlington Matron (G3) and $100,000 Hanshin Cup (G3) sharing top billing. Don't forget, this week will be the first of three five-day racing weeks with racing on the Memorial Day holiday. The other two Monday programs will be July 5 and Labor Day (September 6).
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