Arlington Park news release
Contact: David Zenner
Dzenner@arlingtonpark.com
WONDERLANDBYNIGHT WINS ARLINGTON-WASHINGTON LASSIE
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. (Sept. 11, 2010) – Mark Dedomenico’s Wonderlandbynight survived a claim of foul by the jockey of runner-up Jordy Y to win the Grade III $100,000 Arlington-Washington Lassie by 2 ½ lengths on Saturday. The daughter of Sky Mesa was bred by her trainer Mike Reavis. With E. T. Baird in the irons, she covered the mile over Polytrack in 1:36.65.
The Lassie was the second straight stakes tally for the Illinois-bred filly, who won the $150,000 Ontario Debutante over 6 ½ furlongs at Woodbine in her last start. She picked up $55,200 for her Lassie score to brink her career earnings to $176,418 while keeping her unbeaten record intact in four trips to the post.
“I was not at all concerned (about stretching her out),” said Baird. “Mike has brought her along real well. She’s a real versatile filly. She can go to the lead if you want her to or she could come from just about anywhere you want her to. It’s what makes her a good horse that’s she’s so versatile.”
Jordy Y rallied from far back in the pack to finish second. Her rider Junior Alvarado claimed foul against winner, alleging interference in the stretch, but that objection was disallowed by the stewards.
“I don't have much excuse, she (Wonderlandbynight) did come over just in front of me but he had a lot more horse,” Alvarado said a short time later. “I would have finished second for sure, but you have to take a chance. She was a little tired. It was a little long for her.”
Third Chance finished third in the 13-horse race, followed through the wire by Honey Chile, Miss Inclined, Crepe Myrtle, Summer Savory, Edie, Tellme All About it, One Star, Larue Lovelake, Image of Grace and Songofthecity.
“She's just a very nice filly, if she has one more race she probably wins it,” said jockey Shane Sellers, who rode Third Chance. “I tried to sit off the speed; she's got speed, I was worried she wouldn't rate but she rated good. I inherited the lead turning for home. I pretty much had to go then. She maintained all the way to the wire, came back very tired naturally, but she's a very nice filly.”
“She was getting out right from the start,” noted Michael Baze, rider of Honey Chile who was sent off as the 3-1 favorite. “I didn’t have any trouble, but she kept wanting to make a right-hand turn which made it tough on me. It probably made the difference between fourth and third for me.”
Wonderlandbynight paid $8.80, $4.80 and $3.60. Jordy Y returned $5.60 and $4.20. Third Chance paid $4.20.
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.
