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In today's notes:

• Flatter Complements Arlington's Washington Park 'Cap
• 'Fiesta In The Park' Returns to Arlington Saturday
• Bits & Bridles

FLATTER COMPLEMENTS ARLINGTON'S WASHINGTON PARK 'CAP

Claiborne Farm & Adele Dilschneider's Flatter, with four wins from five lifetime starts, will face the sternest test of his career when he arrives late next week to compete in the Grade II Washington Park Handicap July 19.

"He's untested against good horses," said trainer Steve Penrod over the phone from Kentucky, "but he's been a good horse for us thus far. We'll ship up there next Friday and see how it goes there before making any further plans for him. We'll take things one step at a time."

Like many sons of A.P. Indy, Flatter was a late developer, making his first start in a sprint at Churchill Downs in June last year during his sophomore season. He finished fourth that day for the only loss in his career, but was closing ground late.

When next sent to the post in early July at the Twin Spires oval in a mile race, the bay was less than fully extended when breaking his maiden by almost three lengths in wire-to-wire fashion. After being shipped to Arlington, an 11½-length tally followed in August, again in front-running fashion, and in September, the Kentucky-bred had something left when he won by a length at Turfway Park.

"However, he fractured a cannon bone," said Penrod when explaining Flatter's layoff until two weeks ago. Making his first start as a 4-year-old June 28 at Churchill, the homebred dueled for the early lead before drawing off for a five and a quarter-length win in a seven and a half-furlong event. Complimented on his colt's ability to run well off a layoff, the conservatively trained Penrod laughed and said: "Well, at least he did this time."

The 50-year-old Penrod, born in Lexington and a Louisville resident, began his career in 1975 by working for Hall of Fame trainer Frank Whiteley Jr. in South Carolina for three and a half years. He moved on to Claiborne for two years and began training for that farm in 1982.

Two years later, Penrod conditioned Claiborne's Sintra to win the inaugural Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Keeneland and was presented to the Queen in post-race ceremonies for his biggest career thrill to date.

'FIESTA IN THE PARK' RETURNS TO ARLINGTON SATURDAY

The second annual "Fiesta In The Park" at Arlington Park, recognizing Latino jockeys and Arlington employees for their ongoing commitment to the surrounding community, will begin at noon Saturday with admission gates opening at 11:15 a.m.

As a headline attraction for Fiesta In The Park, Latino jockeys will be autographing photos in the Park Area from 12-12:30 p.m.

Fiesta In The Park will feature Latino cuisine served up to the rhythms of Latino music provided by: Sones de Mexico Ensemble Chicago, Mariachi Perla de Mexico, Ballet Folklorico Huehuecoyotl and the Salsa, Mambo Band of William Gomez con Cache Orquesta. A special appearance by Medieval Times' Jousting Knights, and DJ's from La Ley 107.9FM will also be featured. The family-oriented event will include a petting zoo and pony rides.

Arlington Park will be donating a portion of the day's proceeds to the Reflejos "Got Ganas" Scholarship Fund, recognizing Latino leadership in education.

Fiesta In The Park is expected to attract an estimated additional attendance of 4,000 Latinos, making it one of the largest venues for a Latino festival in the Northwest suburbs.

BITS & BRIDLES

  Trainer Monique Cameron-Liechty, a Chicago native who began her equine career galloping horses, won her first race of the season Thursday when she saddled Bruce & Eve Kuesis & Monique Cameron Racing Stable Inc.'s Claseybeat to capture the final race on the program with jockey Mary Jo Brennan in the saddle. The co-ownership includes a high school friend of the conditioner, who spends the majority of her time developing young horses from leased barns at Horizon Farm.

  Jockey Zoe Cadman, winner of Arlington's "Rising Star" award as an apprentice two years ago, will switch horse breeds in mid-season Saturday night when she drives in a celebrity harness competition at Balmoral Park in Crete, Illinois. Although born in South Africa, Cadman is a native of Great Britain. She will drive in tandem with professional harness driver Tim Tetrick.

  Arlington jockey Ray Sibille, who won the Balmoral event last year when paired with Harness Hall of Fame driver Dave Magee, will journey to Prairie Meadows Saturday to ride Woodmoon in the Grade III Cornhusker Handicap.

  Arlington jockey Carlos H. Marquez Jr. will ride Slider in the Cornhusker. The field also includes Tenpins, winner of last year's Grade II Washington Park Handicap at Arlington.

  Arlington jockey Marlon St. Julien will journey to Calder Race Course Saturday to ride Coach Jimi Lee in the Grade III Carry Back Handicap.

  Arlington conditioner Christine Janks saddled a training double Thursday, winning the fourth race with Allen Tanis's Rich City Girl with Jerry LaSala up, and the featured eighth race with Sy Sommer & Jack Korngold's undefeated filly Double Audit with St. Julien astride.

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