Bandua shows his heart in Arlington Handicap

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. – Maybe Bandua isn’t a Grade 1-level horse, but he’s trending in that direction. Third here last year in the Grade 1 Secretariat Stakes on Arlington Million Day, Bandua could be bound for the Grade 1 Arlington Million itself next month after a sharp victory in the Grade 3, $150,000 Arlington Handicap on Saturday.

Tracking from second under Adam Beschizza as El Picaro went a solid half-mile in 47.80 seconds, Bandua crept up around the far turn, pounced on the leader in upper stretch, pushed out to a clear lead at the furlong grounds, and went on to a 1 3/4-length win. Off six furlongs in 1:11.81 and a mile in 1:35.80, Bandua was timed in course-record 1:53.16 for 1 3/16 miles on firm turf over the outer course used for the graded stakes here Saturday.

The Great Day, improving in his second U.S. start, finished well for second, two lengths clear of Captivating Moon, who was making his 4-year-old debut. El Picaro fell away tamely once collared and checked in fifth.

A 4-year-old owned by Calumet Farm and trained by Jack Sisterson, Bandua was fourth in the Dueling Grounds Derby and eighth in the Canadian International following the Secretariat but came back a stronger horse this winter. He finished a good second to the high-level Synchrony in the Fair Grounds Handicap in February and was a creditable fourth when switched to dirt a month later in the New Orleans Handicap.

“He trains like a Breeders’ Cup Classic horse on dirt,” said Sisterson, who blamed himself for trying a sloppy one-turn mile, the Westchester Stakes, where Bandua was a distant last on May 4.

Back on turf for the Grade 1 Manhattan, Bandua battled on the lead with headstrong Qurbaan and got slightly weary late in the going, finishing sixth, beaten about four lengths, by America’s best turf horse, Bricks and Mortar.

“It’s lucky he’s so genuine,” said Beschizza, whose first Arlington winner came in this graded race. “A horse with less heart might not have responded after that last race.”

Bandua paid $5.20 as the favorite and could either go in the Million or the Del Mar Handicap with an eye toward the Breeders’ Cup Turf, said the Kentucky-based Sisterson, who began training for Calumet about one year ago.

“This horse wears his heart on his sleeve,” Sisterson said. “He trains unbelievable every day and if he runs a bad race it’s my fault.”

Saturday, Bandua ensured there was no blame to take.