Silverfoot regains form

On May 29, 2006, Silverfoot won the Louisville Handicap at Churchill Downs. His next trip to the winner's circle came Friday at Arlington Park, where Silverfoot captured the Stars and Stripes Handicap by two lengths for his first victory in more than two years.

An 8-year-old gray gelding, Silverfoot came alive under leading rider Rene Douglas - and this was no surprise. Douglas now has won the Stars and Stripes on five occasions, and after saving ground for most of the 1 1/2-mile grass race, Douglas came to the three-eighths pole with a live old horse underneath him.

"I knew it was a little early, but I said, 'If you want to go, go,'" Douglas said.

Silverfoot went and had plenty left to hold off a mild bid from Telling, who got second over Canela. Cloudy's Knight, the second choice, was an even fourth, while favored Lattice didn't fire at all, fading to last of nine after racing in good early position.

The Stars and Stripes, run over a course rated good, turned funky when Rumor Has It ran off to a huge early advantage, leading by many lengths for the first mile or so. But the pack began closing in as the field went into the final turn, and Silverfoot was closing fastest of all. No better than fourth in his six races since returning from a 15-month layoff, Silverfoot finally reprised some of his best 2006 form for his owner, Chrysalis Stable, and trainer Dallas Stewart. Silverfoot ($12) was timed in 2:30.40.