Arlington Park news release
Contact: David Zenner
Dzenner@arlingtonpark.com
MAJOR GAIN GIVES CATALANO SECOND STRAIGHT FUTURITY WIN
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. (Sept. 11, 2010) – For the second straight year, trainer Wayne Catalano found himself in the winner’s circle after the Grade III Arlington-Washington Futurity. This year, the veteran conditioner sent out Gary and Mary West’s Major Gain to win the $100,000 race. The son of More Than Ready was ridden by Junior Alvarado and covered the mile over Polytrack in 1:36.36.
Despite running second in his only start, Major Gain’s connections were confident heading into the Futurity and were rewarded for their faith in the juvenile colt.
“I had my eye on this colt,” said Catalano, who saddled Dixie Band to win the 2009 edition of the race. “We thought he could win this race all along. He’s been working very well and Junior (jockey Alvarado) rode a great race. Everything worked out great for us. We had a nice trip against some nice young horses and it worked out.”
Alvarado thought the horse acted more professionally in Saturday’s race noting, “The first time I rode this horse, he was a little green. He was lugging in in the stretch. I told (trainer Wayne) Catalano that he’s a nice horse. We’ve worked him and everything was perfect for this race.”
He earned $58,200 for the Futurity victory, his first in just two starts. His bankroll now stands at $63,800 for his owner-breeder.
Rough Sailing, the 17-10 betting choice, found room on the rail late to get up for second, edging out Caleb’s Posse by just a nose for the place spot.
“Nothing could have gone any better,” said Rough Sailing’s jockey, Michael Baze of the runner-up who was making his Polytrack debut after breaking his maiden last month on the turf. “We had no trouble. He’s just a better horse on turf – that’s all. He’s got a little more kick on turf.”
Impersonator, Ghetto Cat, Wheemaway, Weekend Wildcat and Big Blue Caboose completed the order of finish.
Sent off as the 3-1 third choice in the wagering, Major Gain paid $8.80, $4.40 and $2.60. Rough Sailing returned $3.20 and $2.40. Caleb’s Posse paid $2.60.
Arlington Park – the Chicago area’s premier Thoroughbred racetrack located in Arlington Heights, Ill. – will run a 91-day meet in 2010 from Thursday, April 29 through Sunday, Sept. 26. Arlington Park, whose parent company is Churchill Downs Incorporated (Nasdaq: CHDN), also operates 11 off-track, simulcast-wagering facilities: Trackside Arlington Park (Arlington Heights), Trackside Chicago, Trackside Quad City Downs (East Moline), Trackside Waukegan, Shooters Bar & Grill at Don Carter Lanes featuring Trackside Rockford, Fat Sam’s Bar & Grill featuring Trackside OTB in Lockport, Lucky’s featuring Trackside OTB in South Elgin, Nicolino’s featuring Trackside OTB in McHenry, Tad’s Sports Bar & Grill featuring Trackside OTB in South Beloit, Salerno-Pincente Ristorante featuring Trackside OTB in Hodgkins and Sundance Saloon featuring Trackside OTB in Waukegan. Information on Arlington Park can be found online at www.arlingtonpark.com.
