Chamberlain Bridge romps in Arlington Sprint

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. - Trainer Bret Calhoun stated his belief earlier this week that Chamberlain Bridge, age 6, was actually a better horse than Chamberlain Bridge age 4 or 5.

Point taken.

In the 2009 Arlington Sprint, Chamberlain Bridge contested the hottest of paces and was gunned down in the stretch by Yankee Injunuity. The newer, more manageable Chamberlain Bridge was taken back Saturday in the 2010 , which he won by more than four lengths with an explosive kick.

"The last three or four starts, he's really been more relaxed," winning rider Jamie Theriot said. "At one time, you only had one option with him."

Bullet From Abroad was hustled to make the early lead from post five, and Chamberlain Bridge briefly was caught inside, but Theriot decided to take back and wait, a wise move in the end.

The pace over a course rated yielding was swift, 22.24 seconds for the opening quarter-mile and 45.40 to the half. Coming into the stretch, Chamberlain Bridge swung into action on the far outside, quickly tackling the leaders and taking over. He won by 4 1/2 lengths, was timed in 1:03.66 for the 5 1/2 furlongs, and paid $4.20 to win.

Even-money favorite Sacred Journey flopped, fading in the stretch after a perfect pace-pressing trip.

"When I asked him to pick it up, he didn't have anything," jockey Ramon Dominguez said.

Bullet From Abroad finished second, followed by Moralist, Sacred Journey, and Mambo Galliano. Euroears was scratched.

Chamberlain Bridge, a former claimer, won for the 13th time in 27 starts and has earned more than $781,000 in his career. He probably will get a mid-summer break and be pointed to the $250,000 Turf Monster on Sept. 6 at Philadelphia Park, assistant trainer Peaches Geier said Saturday.

With his victory in the $125,000 Arlington Sprint, Chamberlain Bridge earned a berth (pending payment of entry fees) in the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint at Churchill Downs this fall, and his connections will target the Breeders' Cup. The BC Turf Sprint will be contested at five furlongs in 2010, perfect for Chamberlain Bridge, and Churchill is among the gelding's favorite turf courses.