Monmouth Park – Sunday, June 23, 2019
Great weather on tap. Card not the meet’s best, but a couple of competitive turf races will carry the day. J-breds honor Dan Horn (an old, Colonial Farms gamer).
Race 1: 3 – 7 – 1
For My Mom sits a stalking trip and gathers in Publicist late. Publicst puts away the other speed, but is softened up a bit in the process. Postino’s Champion drops back to a winning level. Saves all the ground, may be the one.
Race 2: 2 – 1 – 3
Shancelot, outstanding debut at a demanding distance, where he beat the now famous Bodexpress. Should pop from the gate and go all the way. Expecting Meade to be more like the debut runner and less like the ‘bad break’ guy from the last two. Improves today, finishes well. Clench – cannot leave this barn off any tickets – he likes finishing 3rd.
Race 3: 1 – 2 – 5
High Flying Guy – took an odd step in last while contending at top of stretch – saves ground from rail – worked well since. Atones. Wild Scat Blue yearling price indicates was intended for a lot better than this. Should be formidable off his last and be right there at the finish. St. Padraig – likes the track and comes in off a sprint win, which may have him laying closer to the pace today. Helps or hurts chances?
Race 4: 3 – 4 -2
Liquid Aloha needed his last – moved prematurely and tired – should be tighter here. Concern is record on Monmouth grass, but Cibelli is firing on all cylinders. Spring About runs well fresh. Steady, well spaced works for return. Has run some solid races over this course. Threeohtwocassie – the concern is the layoff. Raced once off the Navarro claim and was shelved. Works are solid and quick – will lead them as far as he can. Dangerous Woman gets points for not missing a dance….
Race 5: 6 – 3 – 2
Bank Numbers should improve off his last – first out in 6 months. Looks to have the speed to shake free and keep going. Hit the Curb got pounded to 2-1 in Del. Return and ran second (though well-beaten). Continues to improve. Breath of Dawn (back quick) does her best running at Monmouth, however, to date that usually equates to 3rd.
Race 6: 3 – 5 – 6
Bigmouthed looks formidable on the drop for Navarro (doesn’t everything he sends out look formidable?) 1st back produced a competitive figure, worked well since, and the drop does it. Threeninetytwo both starts this year show improvement, third back is often best – may lead all the way. Bandito Rojo – need not be much. Debut runner by turf-sire Sydney’s Candy has some steady works in tow, although debuting going long can be tough.
Race 7: 1 – 6 – 4
Blank Paige needed last. Has run consistently well in the best races of these and gets Bravo, who works out a ground-saving, stalking trip. Chubofftheoldblock completes a same connections exacta. Steps up off a smart win. BillysJumpStart cuts back to preferred distance off a 3rd going longer. Could get a share.
Race 8: 8 – 5 – 9
Princess Peggy has certainly has some physical issues. Big first out win in the slop had them leap her to Royal Ascot. This comebacker after a two year break came up tough, but thinking there must be talent there as they have stuck with her…Beaux Arts needs to be ridden a bit more patiently, likes second. Paris Gem won debut like a champ, transfers to turf – Juarez jumps off and goes elsewhere.
Race 9: 2 – 4 – 5
Bobby G. ships in having found a home in these starter/handicap events. Brings his jock, has the right closing style with a lot of speed signed on. Haul Anchor also ships in and may have the class edge here. Running style compromises chances just enough…Tony can stalk, if speed comes back could be right there.
Race 10: 2 – 3 – 6
Gut check – I remember Dan Horn racing! Irish Strait towers over these on class, with only Golden Brown near. Won this last year with Golden Brown second – history repeats. Next Cowboy Up improves off the barn change, grabs 3rd.
Race 11: 6 – 3 – 4
Fake Frontier looks best due to consistency and record over the track. Barbies Ken, ships in for Cruz who is 1 for 2 at the meet. Other starter was on the board. Up to Eleven should get 3rd.