Carl Moore Management’s Chamberlain Bridge became the first North American horse to earn a spot in the 2010 Breeders’ Cup when he posted a 4 1/2-length win in the $118,000 Arlington Sprint June 26 (VIDEO).
Jamie Theriot was aboard the Bret Calhoun-trained gelded son of War Chant who covered the 5 1/2 furlongs over a yielding turf in 1:03.66.
Sitting just off an opening quarter of :22.24 set by Bullet From Abroad, 6-year-old Chamberlain Bridge tipped three-wide entering the stretch and took the lead mid-stretch from even-money choice Sacred Journey before drawing off for the decisive victory.
“He broke sharply and put me in good stalking position,” Theriot said. “It was just a matter of time. The last couple of times he’s run, he’s stayed right off the pace and hasn’t shown all the speed he has in the past. It doesn’t matter as long as he’s somewhere in the race, he’s pretty much okay with it.”
The Arlington Sprint was Chamberlain Bridge’s 13th win in 27 trips to the post. He added $75,000 to his bankroll which now stands at $781,445, but more importantly he earned an automatic starting berth in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint (gr. IIT), which will be run at Churchill Downs this November.
“We got him into these five- (and 5 1/2)-furlong turf races and he really enjoys it,” said Calhoun’s assistant “Peaches” Geier. “I hope he can keep it going. We’ve got two more races and then the Breeders’ Cup.”
Pacesetter Bullet from Abroad held the place spot and it was another 1 1/4 lengths back to third-place finisher Moralist. Sacred Journey and Mambo Galliano completed the order of finish in the five-horse field.
A slight second choice in the wagering at odds of 11-10, Chamberlain Bridge paid $4.20, $3, and $2.10. Bullet From Abroad returned $7.40 and $3.60. Moralist paid $3.60. Sacred Journey retreated to fourth, with Mambo Galliano trailing. Euroears scratched.
The winner was bred in Kentucky by Eugene Melnyk and is out of the Trempolino mare She's Got Class.
