Bonapaw, who races in the colors of twin brothers-owners Jimmy and Dennis Richard, picked up his second stakes win of the Arlington Park meet when he cruised to a 4 1/2-length victory in the $100,000 Arlington Sprint Saturday. The son of Sabona, ridden by Gerard Melancon, covered the six furlongs over a fast track in a meet-best 1:09.13.
"He was outstanding today," said the Louisiana-based Melancon. "I knew in the post parade, he was calm and full of himself. I knew he'd run a big race. I was going to let him run his own race. "If I found myself on the lead, we were going to run as slow as we could and that's a pretty easy job for him," added Melancon. "I didn't pull him down to the inside. Right on the rail it was a little deep so I kept him a little off and kept him quiet."
Bonapaw's win, his 16th in 33 starts, was worth $60,000 and boosted his career earnings past the $800,000 mark to $851,636. Earlier this summer, the 6-year-old gelding trained by Norman Miller III captured Hanshin Cup (gr. III), a one-mile race."He's a kind horse and as he gets older, he's a little wiser and calmer," said Miller.
Bonapaw broke alertly and quickly sprinted clear of Tic N Tin, establishing a half-length lead through an opening quarter of 22.09 seconds and maintaining that advantage through a half mile in 44.72 seconds. He began to draw off in the lane, was 2 1/2 lengths in front through five furlongs in 56.70 seconds and prevailed under wraps.Secret Romeo, last in the early stages of the race, made a belated rally to finish second and head clear of Tic N Tin, who was runner-up in this race one-year ago. Sand Ridge and Halo Cat completed the order of finish.Sent off as the 7-10 favorite, Bonapaw paid $3.40, $2.40 and $2.10. Secret Romeo returned $3.20 and $2.10. Tic N Tin paid $2.10.
(Chart, Equibase)