NEWS
Pachattack dominant in Matron, Willcox Inn takes Arlington Classic
Posted: Saturday, May 28, 2011 7:30 PM
PACHATTACK
FourFootedFotos.com
For video of the Arlington Matron Stakes, click here.
by Tim Nichols
Michael Deegan’s Pachattack made a successful return to the U.S. on Saturday as she took command on the far turn and rolled to an easy six-length win in the $100,000 Arlington Matron Stakes (G3) at Arlington Park.
The five-year-old Pulpit mare made her two previous starts in England, finishing third in a listed stakes at Lingfield and ninth in the Qatar Bloodstock Dahlia Stakes (Eng-G3) on May 1 at Newmarket.
Pachattack showed no signs of jet lag as she raced under a tight hold from jockey Florent Geroux before taking the lead near the three-eighths pole. Once in front, the chestnut mare surged to an easy lead, leaving eight opponents in her wake.
La Gran Bailadora closed well from last to finish second, three-quarters of a length better than third-place finisher Home’s the Best.
Pachattack covered 1 1/8 miles on the synthetic Polytrack surface in 1:49.64. She improved to five wins in 22 career starts and earnings of $361,393 with the win.
Pachattack is one of three winners from as many starters out of stakes-placed winner El Laoob, by Red Ransom.
In the $100,000 Arlington Classic Stakes for three-year-olds, Willcox Inn took the lead near the eighth pole and cruised to a 2 ½-length victory.
The three-year-old Harlan’s Holiday colt won for the first time since beating eventual Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1) winner Animal Kingdom in his career debut in a maiden special weight race in September at Arlington.
Trained by Mike Stidham for owner All In Stable, Willcox Inn covered 1 1/16 miles on firm turf in 1:49.51, increasing his bankroll to $227,543 with his second win in six career starts. Willcox Inn finished third in both the Dixiana Breeders’ Futurity (G1) and Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf (G2) in his two starts as a juvenile after his maiden win.
Bred in Kentucky by Dr. John Chandler, Willcox Inn is the first winner from two starters out of multiple Grade 3-placed winner De Aar, by Gone West. De Aar is a half sister to multiple Grade 1 winner and sire Cetewayo and multiple Grade 1 winner Dynaforce.
For Equibase charts, click here.
Tim Nichols is internet content editor for Thoroughbred Times
