Runners exit Arlington's stakes openers in good order

The horses involved in what was an eventful stretch drive

and even more dramatic post-race claims of foul in Saturday's Grade 3 Arlington

Classic seem to have exited the race in

good shape. Though the connections of victor General Election were unavailable

for comment, it can be assumed that if the sophomore son of Harlan's Holiday came out of

his first graded victory well, the Grade 3, $200,000 American Derby on

July 13 -- the second leg of Arlington Park's Mid-America Triple -- has to be on his radar.

Dorsett, disqualified for interference

from third to fourth, ran a tremendous race to step up in only his second race

since a maiden win on the Fair Grounds turf in March.

"He came out really well.

Most likely we'll aim toward (the American Derby)," said trainer Mike Stidham,

who was pleased with the Artie Schiller colt's effort.

It would be no surprise at all to see locally based Gefest back in the American Derby after his solid effort to finish

within 1 1/4 lengths of the winner at odds of 40-1. The same goes for runner-up Admiral Kitten, who could appreciate the extra furlong after

running out of real estate.

The English-bred Yorkshire Icon, who made late ground to

finish eighth from last, will most likely be dropped down into the allowance

ranks after not running up to expectations for trainer Danny Peitz.

"I'm a little disappointed. He was a little too keen and pulled a little bit

and didn't have his big run like last time because of that," Peitz stated. "We will probably come back into an allowance to see what we

really have in him."

Yorkshire Icon raced in blinkers, in which the colt won

last out, but that equipment will most likely be removed for his next race.

Imposing Grace, a surprising winner in

the Grade 3 Arlington Matron, has exited the race in great

shape, according to trainer Wayne Catalano. A rare value on the tote board for

Catalano, Arlington's second all-time leading trainer by wins, the 8-1 daughter

of Empire Maker seems to be an improving type.

"She came out very good. We'll see what we've got here at

Arlington," Catalano said of a next possible start.

Only making her 11th start

and first under leading jockey Channing Hill, Imposing Grace was much closer than usual,

but in a very comfortable rhythm. Her running style implies that she may

appreciate a distance of ground more than her previous races, which all came at

1 1/16 miles or less. One place she can definitely find those

distances is on Arlington's turf course.

"She should try the turf again. She ran on it once and I

don't think the track was right that day," Catalano noted.

According to the

trainer, the Grade 3, $200,000 Modesty going 1 3/16 miles on the Arlington lawn

July 13 could be up next.

Beaten post-time favorite Ausus, who

defeated Imposing Grace at the wire when at Arlington last fall, came out

of her frustrating run well. With little pace, the late-running daughter of Invasor could not bite into the top three quickly enough, finishing two necks

shy of second and a length behind the winner in fourth.

"It is frustrating to be beaten a neck for a graded stakes

placing. But, she came out of the race OK. We will look at the Modesty, next," Peitz

reported.

Hogy, trained by Scott Becker, ran the

most impressive race of the day when winning the one-mile, Grade 3 Hanshin Cup

and has emerged no worse for the wear, possibly better than

expected.

"He came out great and bounced back today, as well. He ate

up really well, too," said John Pool, assistant to Becker. "I always thought if

he was trained properly, he could run with the best and put in that kind of

performance."

Becker agreed with those sentiments.

"I just think the

horse has matured a little more," he stated.

As far as the next steps after this

impressive win, "the ($100,000) Arlington Sprint is always on the radar, but

that's not until July (6). In the meantime, we'll look for something in June."

Hogy's blazing time of 1:34.25 earned him a 105 BRIS Speed

Figure. It was even more impressive considering he burst away from and finished

clear of a quality field after sitting only three lengths off fractions of

:45.73 and 1:09.99. The two horses who set that pace, Hammers Terror and Nates

Mineshaft, finished 7 1/4 lengths behind him and last, respectively.

A multiple stakes winner who has won impressively from 5 1/2

furlongs to a mile on all three surfaces, Hogy has proven both talented and

versatile.

"I think he can go a little bit farther, but not much more than a

mile and a sixteenth," Becker remarked.

Mister Marti Gras ran a strong race

in defeat, finishing only 1 1/2 lengths shy of the victory under Eddie

Perez.

"The one-turn mile obviously isn't his best game, but I was real proud of

him and how he dug in there," trainer Chris Block said. "We'll take a look at the Swoon's Son (on June 8),

though that may be back a little quick -- so maybe something at Churchill and

then the (Grade 3, $200,000) Arlington Handicap (on July 13)."

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