Arlington Trip Notes and Horses to Watch (September 6-7)

The following are trip notes for horses who had tough trips the week of September 6-7 at Arlington Park, and/or who figure to improve in their next races. Add these runners to your horses to watch list, and bet them back next time out if they land in a reasonable spot. Racing for the week of September 2 at Arlington was run under very nice weather conditions. The abbreviated schedule had the track open for just two racing days following the long Labor Day weekend. The turf was labeled firm for of the week. Both the main track (Polytrack) and the turf course played fairly both days. The horses listed below exit races run at Arlington during the week of September 6-7, and all of them have good chances to run well, outrun their odds, and/or win in their subsequent starts. Arlington Trip Notes (September 6-7) CLEAR N CONVINCING: Returned to form with a win in a big effort to catch a rival who had shaken clear on a loose solo lead. Might offer value in repeat attempt after claim away from Larry Rivelli. FATE FACTOR: Chris Block first starter make a move from last-to-second in career debut behind a slow pace and won’t remain a maiden for long. HOMER: Couldn’t catch up to a loose lone speed runaway winner, but raised in class and ran well anyway to be a clear second. Remains in fine form at present. IRISH PROUD: Sent up into a five-length-gap speed duel and nearly held on to win anyway until getting nipped late by a head. Can go all the way in next. LADY FURBEIN: Broke poorly when wanting to show speed, then rushed up straight into a 2 1/2-length-gap duel for the lead and emptied out to eighth as a result of the early efforts in a race ruled by a runaway favorite. Toss that out and try again. ON THE MUSCLE: Needed a race off a five-month layoff but outran 18-1 odds for third, just a length out of second and will improve in second off the layoff for Michael Stidham. PONT DU GARD: Raced into contention but faded to sixth when needing a race off nearly a three-month layoff. Fits well vs. similar. YABBA DABBA DUDE: Showed early interest, dropped back, and then came again to finish with interest for fourth and would have been better if able to get through between horses when blocked in the stretch. PHOTO: Arlington Park (c) Coady Photography/Arlington Park