Von Hemel's Filly Cabana Tries Polytrack

Trainer Donnie K. Von Hemel invades Arlington International Racecourse on Saturday May 7 with his promising filly Cabana in the Illinois-restricted $100,000 Purple Violet Stakes at a flat mile.  Though only once victorious in seven career attempts, the daughter of Flatter has been consistent and versatile, finishing second in two open allowances in her two recent starts - on fast and sloppy tracks - and breaking her maiden in November over the grass.  "We are happy and healthy right now," Von Hemel said.  "She's doing very well."

The Purple Violet, on Arlington's synthetic Polytrack surface, will be Cabana's first attempt over such a ground.  "That's the big question," Von Hemel explained.  "We feel like she would like it.  I just hope it's a positive answer after the race is over.  She's a nice filly, is Illinois-bred and it's a chance to run against 3-year-old fillies."

The Purple Violet will be the Wayne Sanders- and Larry Hirsch-owned filly's first attempt at restricted company as well as her first time around one turn since her six-furlong debut in October at Remington Park.  "I think the handicappers would say (racing in open company) is a class edge, but it's a give and take.  Winning races matters (to the horse) just as much."

Bred by Russell Reineman Stables in the Prairie State, the filly who carries the gray coat of her maternal grandsire El Prado is schedule to arrive by van from Churchill Downs on Wednesday afternoon.  "She'll gallop (Thursday) and blow out three-eighths (Friday).  It's a system that seems to work for her," Von Hemel said.  The Oklahoma and Kentucky-based conditioner has often been a force in Arlington stakes - especially over the last decade - annexing events such as the Grade III Modesty (Euphony, 2009), Grade III Arlington Oaks (Peach Brew, 2009) and Grade III Arlington Matron (Bedanken, 2004).