This time it counts for Cryptoquip

Cryptoquip was denied her first stakes win last month at River Downs, when a starting-gate malfunction voided the result of the Queen City Oaks, but Saturday at Arlington, the result stood, with Cryptoquip a half-length better than favored Coolwind in the $144,500 .

Cryptoquip made the early lead under Robby Albarado, and the shape of the race was determined in the first quarter-mile, run in a dawdling 25 seconds. The closers were at a major disadvantage, and Cryptoquip had plenty left for the stretch run. Coolwind, who chased in second all the way, came up to her flank in midstretch, but could not push past. Rolling Sea made a bid coming off the far turn, but was outrun late and finished 4 1/2 lengths behind Coolwind. My Chickadee, also part of the lead pack, was fourth.

Trained by Tom Proctor for owner-breeder Elisabeth Alexander, Crytopquip won a Churchill Downs maiden race May 21, and she had only that victory to her credit after the Queen City Oaks was declared a no-contest. Bettors still liked her - Cryptoquip paid $7.80 as the second choice. She was timed in 1:49.42 for 1 1/8 miles.

* Canterbury Park invader Chetten County ($7.60) won the Hatoof Stakes, a race that scratched down to seven from an original field of 11 and was absent its likely strong favorite, Vacare, who was scratched because of an illness. Chetten County rated off a slow pace on a yielding turf course, making her move in midstretch and holding off the late run of even-money favorite Ladyburn.