Arlington Classic J

Eight sophomore colts and geldings are entered to contest the $150,000

Arlington Classic S. (G3) at 1 1/16 miles on Saturday. STORM TREASURE (Storm

Boot) impressed in his turf debut last out, running third in the Jefferson Cup

S. (G2) at Churchill Downs, and the Blue Grass S. (G1) runner-up was bumped

at the start of the Jefferson and then forced to round the turn five wide in

order to make up ground. The Steve Asmussen trainee earned a 102 BRIS Late Pace

figure while finishing only a length behind the winner and merits our respect

here. Shaun Bridgmohan returns to the irons.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY (Rahy) captured the Awad S. by 2 3/4 lengths in his only

start over the Arlington Heights, Illinois, turf. He possesses good rating

abilities, breaking his maiden in a 1 1/8-mile contest while racing just off the

pace before taking the advantage in the stretch. Two races back, he finished a

good third to eventual Jefferson Cup winner Brilliant (War Chant) in an

allowance contest at Churchill Downs. He certainly appears capable of threatening

here with

Eddie Martin Jr. in the saddle.

PROUDINSKY (Ger) (Silvano [Ger]) broke his maiden by 15 lengths in his career debut

and then ran a close second in a German listed race. He'll be making his North

American debut for trainer Mario Hofer and has the services of Brice Blanc, who

has produced two winners with his last five mounts. The wildcard looks

interesting.

CREATIVE FORCE (Red Ransom) made a nice late run to defeat allowance/optional

claiming rivals over a yielding track here last out. The Chris Block charge

impressed early, going from nearly last to first in his second and third career

starts, both at Hawthorne. His late kick should be enough to get him within

contention in the latter stages. Eduardo Perez has the call.

DESERT WHEAT (Wheaton) will attempt to improve off a sixth-place finish in

the USA S. (placed fifth through disqualification). He clipped

heels in the early stages of that one and never really got back on track, so you

can throw that one out. Earlier this year, the bay ran second in a Lone Star

stakes race versus credible competition. He could surprise.

KINGSHIP (King Cugat) relished a surface switch last out, breaking his maiden

in dominant fashion in his fourth attempt. The stretch in distance shouldn't be

a problem and he will be one to watch in the future, but he might be a little

outclassed here. ICY RIDGE (Ire) (Orpen) made a game run to come out on top

against allowance/optional claiming foes in his last appearance on June 7 at

Hollywood. The bay gelding could get up for part, but we'll go against. ARBUCKLE

BANDIT (Service Stripe) will face a tough class test.