Arcadia: Singletary shows best form

Second start off a layoff is becoming the ideal scenario for Singletary. The Breeders' Cup Mile winner, who disappointed in his 2005 debut five weeks ago in the Kilroe Mile, bounced back with a top effort on Saturday to take the Grade 2, $150,000 .

Singletary ($6) was given a clever ride by Alex Solis, who kept favored Buckland Manor bottled up in traffic for much of the race. Singletary pressed the pace outside of Sweet Stepper, while trapping Buckland Manor inside of him. After a half-mile in 47.47 seconds, Solis gave Singletary his cue midway through the final turn, and Singletary immediately opened an insurmountable advantage.

Sweet Return and Buckland Manor both gave valiant chase, but Singletary flew through the final quarter-mile in less than 23 seconds, giving his rivals no chance. He completed one mile on firm turf in 1:33.52 to win by one length. Sweet Return nosed out Buckland Manor for second.

Singletary, who is owned by the Little Red Feather Racing syndicate, won the Breeders' Cup Mile last year in his second start following a four-month layoff. That gave his connections hope that he would improve upon his race in the Kilroe.

"He just needed the race," said Don Chatlos, who trains the 5-year-old son of Sultry Song.