Quiet proves irresistible Force in Arlington 'Cap

Reformed claimer Quiet Force upstaged Middleburg and Up With the Birds in Saturday's $100,000 Arlington H. (G3) under a crafty ride by Julien Leparoux. Trained by Mike Maker for Charles Kevin Warner, the 5-1 chance parlayed a perfect stalk-and-pounce trip into his biggest career victory in this local prep for the August 15 Arlington Million (G1).

As a pointer to the Million, however, the Arlington 'Cap is questionable. The 1 3/16-mile event was weakened by the withdrawals of both Triple Threat (fever) and The Pizza Man (in favor of the Stars and Stripes [G3] later on the card). Combined with the tactical nature of the race, in which Quiet Force enjoyed an early advantage over both 2-1 Middleburg and even-money favorite Up With the Birds, the overall impression is that we probably didn't see the Million winner here.

When Dramedy went forward through fractions of :24.02, :48.39 and 1:13.34 on the good course, Quiet Force was parked in second, and Middleburg raced one spot further back in third. Up With the Birds, last early, was involved in scrimmaging before improving his position nearing the far turn.

Quiet Force overtook Dramedy entering the stretch and braced for the inevitable challenges. Middleburg found room on the inside to threaten, while Up With the Birds loomed on the outside, but neither could peg back the winner. Quiet Force kept finding more to hold on by three-quarters of a length from Middleburg in a final time of 1:56.50 for 1 3/16 miles. Up With the Birds stalled late and checked in a further 2 1/4 lengths behind, just salvaging third by a nose from Dramedy.

Bred by Wertheimer et Frere, Quiet Force was claimed from them, and original trainer Richard Mandella, for $25,000 out of a win at Santa Anita in February 2014. Upped to the $40,000 level next time, he won again and was claimed by his current owners. Quiet Force made his debut for Maker in the Commonwealth (G3) at Keeneland, where he rallied for fourth. He later earned his first stakes win in last July's J. Kenneth Self Shelby County Boys and Girls Club at Indiana Downs, but was sidelined for nearly 11 months. Third in his allowance comeback at Parx May 26, Quiet Force took a big step forward here and advanced his record to 13-6-0-1, $247,870.

The Kentucky-bred is by Dynaformer and out of Group/Grade 1-placed multiple stakes heroine Quiet Royal, a Royal Academy mare from the family of Grade 1-winning millionaires Dare and Go and Go Deputy.

Jockey quotes:

Julien Leparoux (Quiet Force): "On paper it didn't look like too much pace so I just wanted to make sure he broke good and actually when the number 1 (Dramedy) went it was great for us, we got a target and finished up strong."

James Graham (Middleburg):  "He ran good, he was just second best. Just not quite good enough today."

Drayden Van Dyke (Up With the Birds): "I had to check out of the gate and going into the first turn (Samantha Colvin on eventual sixth Yankee Dealer) had trouble controlling her horse. I got into a good position but then got some pressure and bumping on my outside from her again on the backside. Honestly, I still thought I was the winner turning for home, but I couldn't get to them."

Photo courtesy Four Footed Fotos.