Monday, June 18 2012

Arlington Park Barn Notes: Sunday, June 17

SANDIA CREST RIFLES RIVAL IN SATURDAY’S SPRINGFIELD STAKES
Hondo Ranch’s Sandia Crest closed like a shot in Saturday’s $126,500 Springfield Stakes, shocking most in the crowd of more than 10,000 on hand for Arlington’s 12th renewal of the Prairie State Festival for Illinois-breds.

Sandia Ranch’s win price of $42.40 was easily the largest of Saturday’s six stakes races restricted to horses foaled in the Prairie State, but it came as no surprise to his conditioner Frank Kirby – the gentle bear of a man who will always be remembered for capturing two training titles at Arlington 30 years apart.