Arlington Futurity : Tejano Likes the Change of Scenery

Tejano, who was next to last in the Hollywood Juvenile Championship in July, has been a different horse since going East, and Saturday he scored his second stakes victory, winning the $441,800 Arlington-Washington Futurity by a convincing 1 lengths.

Ridden by Jacinto Vasquez, Tejano took the lead away from his stablemate, Native Stalwart, shortly after the start and then resisted stretch rallies by Jim’s Orbit and Native Stalwart.

Jim’s Orbit, who also couldn’t beat Tejano when the Caro-Infantes colt won the Sapling at Monmouth Park last month, was second Saturday, five lengths better than Native Stalwart. Tejano ran the mile in 1:36 1/5, considered a good time for the way the Arlington Park track has been playing. Tejano earned $247,080 for his owners and breeders, Texans Bob French and Barry Beal. The favorite of the crowd of 14,126, Tejano paid $3.20 to win.

Randy Bradshaw, who handles the Chicago division for trainer Wayne Lukas’ barn, indicated after the Futurity that the colt would stay in the East for the 2-year-old races at Belmont Park.

“We think we can beat Crusader Sword,” Bradshaw said. “The only way to find out is try him, and he’ll be at Belmont.”

Tejano, in his first start after leaving Hollywood Park, lost by a neck to Crusader Sword, the East’s leading 2-year-old, in the Saratoga Special.