Arlington International Racecourse Barn Notes: Sunday, May 28

By Bailey Gallison —-

MALRAUX A MONSTER IN MAIDEN WIN

Trainer Ignacio Correas, IV was quietly confident in his well-bred sprinter leading up to Saturday’s fourth race at Arlington International Racecourse, even when the turf sprint was moved to Polytrack, but no one was expecting such a dominant performance. Secure Investment and I. C. Racing LLC’s Malraux delivered exactly that, jumping from gate four to immediately take the lead and leaving the rest of the field to battle for second as he set opening fractions of 22.70 and 45.39. The 3-year-old colt crossed the wire 9¾-lengths the best in a blistering time of 57.07 seconds, just a half-second off the track record.

“It was a very impressive win,” said Correas. “We always expected a good run, but he did that easy. He relaxed without the blinkers and finished very well.”

Purchased as a yearling for $165,000 by Correas’ partner Tami Bobo at Fasig-Tipton Select Yearling Sale at Saratoga in 2015, the colt by Champion Sprinter Speightstown made his debut in March at Tampa Bay Downs over the grass. After setting the pace, Malraux was caught at the wire and lost by less than a length. Running over the Polytrack at Arlington with jockey Jose Lopez in the irons, there was never a threat after he broke cleanly from the gate.

“That’s a powerful horse,” said Lopez after the win. “We have been waiting for this race to go and it finally happened. He is the kind of horse who just has cruise control. It has been a while since I’ve been on a horse like this – I’m very proud of him.”

Malraux is out of the Capote mare Ticket to Seattle, herself an accomplished sprinter who placed second twice in graded stakes and is a half-sister to multiple Grade I-winner Tizway. Correas plans to keep the colt sprinting and will look for a race in July at Arlington for his next start, on either surface. Saratoga is a possibility after that.

“This morning he was very happy,” said Correas the day following his win. “He walked well, ate well. I’m very happy – I will take my time with him.”

ARLINGTON RACING CLUB OFFERED FOR 2017 SEASON

Back by popular demand, Arlington International Racecourse is offering racing fans an easy and low-risk opportunity to experience horse ownership while enjoying race days at the Chicagoland oval. In 2016 Arlington created two clubs of 75 members each – this year, the first club has already filled at 175 members, and the second club only has a few spots left. Group members pay $500 each for entry, from which all associated costs are covered. The goal is to garner interest in racing ownership and give club members a chance to experience the thrills of owning a Thoroughbred racehorse. Members receive free admission and parking, barn tours, group events, and email updates throughout the season. If the racing club’s horses are successful on track then members may earn back their initial $500 fee; all other profits are donated to Galloping Out Thoroughbred Retirement Fund.

Wayne Catalano trains Brisson for the first Arlington Racing Club. The 4-year-old daughter of Ghostzapper broke her maiden at Keeneland last October, and also picked up a win at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots more recently in March. She finished second in her only start at Arlington last summer when she raced seven furlongs on the Polytrack, and her works over the course in the morning are encouraging.

“She’s doing well,” said Catalano. “She’s in light training right now. She’ll work two or three more times [at Arlington] and then we’ll enter her in a race.”

Memberships are still available for purchase in Arlington Racing Club 2 until June 3. Larry Rivelli will train for the second club, and a horse will be purchased once the club is finalized. Interested parties can visithttp://www.arlingtonpark.com/racing-wagering/arlington-racing-club for more information and to join the club.