James P. Gallagher’s Barbette dropped from Grade III competition and was able to tackle an easier field when she scored a two-length victory over eight rivals in the $53,700 Possibly Perfect Stakes on Sunday at Arlington Park. The Steve Hobby-trained daughter of High Yield was ridden by Rene Douglas and covered the nine furlongs over “good” turf in 1:50.20.

“She can be a little difficult to ride at times,” said Douglas. “Other times, she gives you the big run you expect. Fortunately, today was one of those days. She has a nice long stride and she can handle soft turf, so the track was in her favor.”

The 5-year-old mare sat just off leader Melissa’s Dream for more than three-quarters of a mile while setting fractions of 24.54 seconds, 48.92 seconds and 1:12.90.

Ninth in the Grade III Ouija Board Handicap at Lone Star Park last time, Barbette rebounded here to pick up her second win in five starts this year and her fifth in 22 starts overall. She earned $32,220 to boost her bankroll to $179,986 for her owner/breeder.

Demisemiquaver rallied to finish second, a half-length clear of May Night. Angel Smoke, Talkin Indian, Polo Lounge, Wine and Dyne, Melissa’s Dream and Clever Strike completed the order of finish.

Second choice in the wagering at odds of 4-1, Barbette paid $10, $5.40 and $3.60. Demisemiquaver returned $9.20 and $5.60. May Night paid $2.80.

Arlington Park – the Chicago area’s premier Thoroughbred racetrack located in Arlington Heights, Ill. – will run a 96-day meet in 2008 from Friday, May 2 through Sunday, Sept. 21. 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 Rockford, Trackside Waukegan, 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, The Inferno featuring Trackside OTB in South Beloit, Rookies featuring Trackside OTB in Homewood and Salerno-Pincente Ristorante featuring Trackside OTB in Hodgkins. Information on Arlington Park can be found online at http://www.arlingtonpark.com.