A stakes sweep for imports

The prevailing motto for Arlington Million Day 2007 could havebeen "Bet American, lose your voucher."

The victory of Canada-based Jambalaya in the silver anniversaryof the Million completed a sweep of the afternoon's three Grade Iclassics by foreign imports. The French-bred Shamdinan ($11.60) wonthe $400,000 Secretariat while German visitor Royal Highness($20.40) -- under Arlington jockey leader Rene Douglas -- capturedthe $750,000 Beverly D.

Shamdinan, making his U.S. debut for trainer Doug O'Neill, wasall out in the final strides to run down Red Giant. The colt wasridden by Julien Leparoux and automatically qualified for the $3million Breeders' Cup Turf at Monmouth Park on Oct. 27. He carriedfour pounds less than Red Giant and was racing on Lasix for thefirst time.

As for Royal Highness, the

5-year-old daughter of the German stallion Monsun had to catchTeam Valor's Irridescence in deep stretch to win the Beverly D. Thevictory was only her second in the last two years.

Said Douglas: "Turning for home, I knew we had a chance. But[Irridescence] would not give up, and I had to finish really, reallyhard."

Royal Highness won $450,000 for Lucien Urano's Monceaux Stableand a slot in the $2 million BC Filly & Mare Turf at Monmouth.

Pike's peak

Robby Albarado rode Canada-based champion Jambalaya for the firsttime. Javier Castellano piloted the gelding in his previous fourraces -- including a breakthrough win in the Grade I Gulfstream ParkBC Handicap in February. But Castellano elected to stay at Saratogaon Saturday to ride Trippi's Storm in the Grade I Sword Dancer,leaving an opening for Albarado and agent Lenny Pike Jr.

Said Pike (Niles West High, Class of '78): "I called [trainer]Catherine Day-Phillips as soon as I became aware Javier might stayat Saratoga. I told her of our availability, reminded her of thecareer year Robby is having and also mentioned that no one knows theArlington turf course like he does. A couple days later, afterCastellano confirmed he was going to ride in the Sword Dancer, shegave us Jambalaya."

Albarado grossed $60,000 for his winning ride. Castellano wasthird aboard Trippi's Storm behind the 15-1 upsetter Grand Couterierand favored English Channel in the Sword Dancer.

Hometown hero

Jockey Eddie Baird gave the connections of the Chicago-basedJennie R. almost all they could ask for with his sharp riding in theBeverly D. Aboard the 25-1 shot, Baird opened a clear lead quicklyand sustained it all the way to the top of the stretch in the mile-and-three-sixteenths turf classic. His key split was six furlongs in1:14.16 before he was overtaken by the vaunted South African shipperIrridescence, eventual champ Royal Highness, show horse Lady ofVenice and Citronnade.

Jennie R. finished fifth, earning trainer Michele Boyce and co-owners Nate Ruffolo, Sam Belpedio, Barry Lloyd and Elaine and MikeBojarski a check for $22,500. Said Baird: "Jennie R. is a strongmare that doesn't like to be told what to do. I think she's going tobe very well-suited for stakes around a mile-and-a-sixteenth. When Igot back to the jocks room, [Mark] Guidry said to me, 'Boy, when youhit the turn, you had me on the edge of my stool whooping andhollering. I thought you might hang on.' It was a great effort byher."

Clip 'n' save

Day-Phillips said Million champ Jambalaya cost $2,500 to buy --at a Keeneland yearling sale in 2003 -- and $4,000 to geld. Shesuggested the 5-year-old son of Langfuhr might run in the Grade IMan 'O War at Belmont this fall before trying the $3millionBreeders' Cup Turf at Monmouth.

jodonnell@suntimes.com