Coachwhip might return to Arlington for Modesty

Jack Sisterson had confidence Coachwhip would be just fine in her first start over a synthetic surface last weekend in the Grade 3 Matron Stakes at Arlington.

“She trains well on dirt and runs well on turf and going into this race we thought the surface wasn’t going to be an issue,” said Sisterson, who trains Coachwhip for her breeder, Calumet Farm. “I’m not right very often.”

That’s almost certainly Sisterson selling himself short, and he was spot-on assessing Coachwhip. She cruised over the Arlington all-weather surface and scored her first graded stakes win, taking the Matron by more than three lengths. Coachwhip got an 85 Beyer Speed Figure, equaling her career best.

Having conquered synthetics, Coachwhip now could return to turf racing. Sisterson said there are no set plans for Coachwhip but mentioned the Modesty Handicap, a 1 3/16-mile grass race July 13 at Arlington, as a possible target.