by Jeff Apel

Stream Cat denied Cosmonaut’s bid to become the first three-time winner of the Arlington Handicap (G3), winning the $194,000 race by 3 3/4 lengths on Saturday at Arlington Park.

The 1 1/4-mile Arlington Handicap is a prep for the $1-million Arlington Million Stakes (G1) on August 9.

Cosmonaut, the 2006 and ’07 Arlington Handicap winner and 1-to-2 favorite in Saturday's field of four, set a modest pace in the race, going a half-mile in :49.89 and six furlongs in 1:!5.31 on turf rated as soft. Approaching the turn, Cosmonaut led by 1 1/2 lengths, but a late rally from fourth by Stream Cat between horses cut into that advantage.

Stream Cat and jockey James Graham took a 1 1/2-length lead in early stretch and the duo increased that lead down to the wire, posting the clear win in 2:04.83 in Stream Cat's first start in more than eight months.

Cosmonaut finished second, three-quarters of a length in front of stakes winner Corrupt.

Making his first start for trainer Rusty Arnold, Stream Cat finished second in the Fayette Stakes (G3) on October 27 at Keeneland Race Course in his previous start. Patrick Biancone, who is currently serving a suspension, previously trained the Black Minnaloushe gelding for owners Fab Oak Stable, Robert Hurley, and John Goldthorp.

Stream Cat earned his sixth win in 16 career starts and increased his earnings to $608,810. Bred in Kentucky by Matthews Breeding and Racing, Stream Cat is out of the Irish River (Fr) mare Water Course.

For an Equibase chart, click here.

Jeff Apel is a Thoroughbred Times assistant daily news editor