Monmouth Park – Sunday, July 7, 2019
Assuming they stay on the grass – weather is beautiful after yesterday’s bibilical downpour that ultimately cancelled the remainder of the card. Small fields plague the card, which would be decimated if it comes off grass.
Race 1: 3 – 4 – 7
Starting right out sprinting on the grass, Spring About cuts back to a sprint off a series of races going long. Needed last, and cut back may enhance his finish, sits close and finishes. Spearhead, seems to like synthetic more than grass, but ships a long way for this – so connections mush be optimistic. Repeat of last makes him formidable. My Bernie steps up off a main track win – hoping for rain off? Crafty connections…
Race 2: 3 – 4 – 1
Short field of 5 – hard to love any – but think Resonate deserves the vote for her consistency. Love that Chick should be along for part. Rose M. comes back quick at the right level. Should be competitive.
Race 3: 6 – 5 – 2
Intimidation has the connections, a first start that would take this, so any improvement really makes him tough. Familiar connections add to the appeal. Irish Roar – first race in several months, but most all starts credible. Should be tough off a series of smart works. Old Dominion will take them as far as he can.
Race 4: 5 – 2 – 3
Another 5 horse field – Metallic looks tough off the class drop and return to straight claimers. Ferrer has won on him before. Kenyan repeat of last makes him tough short field may not create best set up. Rhythm Park looks to be the speed, may shake free and keep going.
Race 5: 5 – 8 – 3
Indisputably Linked – popped on the dirt, but actually looks to prefer grass. Think the lightbulb went off in last – and first start with winners proves a winning one. Running style fits. Shahkaar fits well with these, likely goes favored, but may be compromised just enough by the other speed. Forest Park should be tough off the drop and be finishing late.
Race 6: 2 – 5 – 3
Another short field of NW2L – Homeboy will be pounded at the windows based on the drop, the connections, the jock – no sense fighting City Hall. Midnight Act looks interesting off his maiden breaker – also crafty connections who’s record the meet – makes this one formidable. Sunset Beach fast track races are good, should be competitive here.
Race 7: 1 – 6 – 4
Tough field of hard hitters – think Macagone turns the tables on King of Spades today. Bravo tracks, saves ground and is a bit more patient. From this corner, Zefiro looks to be the danger. Can put good races together, Ferrer stays. King of Spades – hard not to like, can take another with right trip and pace meltdown.
Race 8: 2 – 6 – 1
Stay Smart comes off a win that would have these over a barrel. Repeats. This condition is a dream come true for the rest of the field as placing and showing are like wins at the level they really belong – we’ll go with Lady Grigoria to pick up the place and Banana Anna to show.
Race 9: 4 – 1 – 5
Star Flare needed last – believe she sits the close up trip and gets first jump. Heading Home tips off the rail, after saving ground and finishes. I’m Listening flow or the race has her drop further back, and finishes.
Race 10: 3 – 4 – 2
Driven to Compete – let’s go with the mild upset – Pletcher training (so it will be very mild) Sits the trip under Paco. Fortune Cookie – cannot look past barn stats for the meet – and his last (off the claim) was outstanding. Things that make you go hmm…. DT Goodie – ships in for smart barn and brings jock along – not coming for time at the beach, should be competitive. .
Race 11: 1 – 2 – 8
Bank Note – takes this rail skimming ride just off the pace set by Nautical Nature who will be gunning from the outside. Based on breeding should take to grass. Lem Me Tel Ya back in two weeks off an improved effort where heavily favored. Juarez stays should be finishing. Can never discount anything from this barn. Nautical Nature hangs on for the show.