Rosinka Schools in the Paddock

I was happy to see Beverly D. S. (G1) contender ROSINKA (Ire) (Soviet Star) school in the Arlington Park paddock during the 5TH race on Friday. Based on last year's form, the Graham Motion trainee rates as a serious threat.

Last summer, the pacesetting Rosinka just held on by a neck in the Robert G. Dick Memorial S. at Delaware Park, defeating subsequent Beverly D. queen Royal Highness (Ger). Next time out in the Glens Falls H. (G3) at Saratoga, Rosinka opened up by six lengths in midstretch, then just lasted by a diminishing neck from current Beverly D. hopeful MAURALAKANA (Fr) (Muhtathir [GB]). Rosinka concluded her 2007 campaign with a terrific runner-up effort in the Flower Bowl Invitational (G1) at Belmont, where she went down fighting to eventual champion Lahudood (GB) while beating champion Wait a While (Maria's Mon).

In her seasonal reappearance, Rosinka picked up right where she left off with a front-running title defense in the John W. Rooney Memorial S. at Delaware. Things did not go according to plan in the 1 3/8-mile Dick Memorial most recently, however. Rosinka was a little too eager early, and as a result, she tired late and finished third.

Paradoxically, the presence of DREAMING OF ANNA (Rahy) could help Rosinka. With the speedy Anna bound to dart to the front, Rosinka might find it easier to relax into a stalking role, as she did to such great effect in the Glens Falls.

“Graham believes she doesn't have to have the lead,” assistant trainer Mary Jo Trotter said. “It is a matter of getting her to settle.”

That view has a great deal to recommend it. Rosinka has tended to be involved in marathons devoid of any real speed, so she has often found herself dictating affairs simply because she can, and others won't.

Admittedly, even at her very best, Rosinka can be quirky, and her handlers have to adapt to her prevailing mood.

“The potential to blow up is always there,” Trotter said, adding that Rosinka has been much better behaved in the paddock this year. But they're sticking with the set routine to promote her tranquility.

Rosinka made a glorious appearance during her schooling session. She is a rangy, scopey mare, and her bay coat was richly bedecked with dapples. Rosinka lashed out with her left hind leg a few times when the saddle pad, with under- and overgirth, was put on, and she was on her toes as she paraded around the ring. It was by no means an excessive display, however, and I came away with the impression that she is in superb shape.

How can Rosinka's personality be described?

“She's really cranky,” exercise rider Mollie Hannum ventured.

“But she's as sweet as she can be around the barn,” Trotter responded.

That sums up the many moods of Rosinka, who must have her own way.