Monmouth Park – Sunday, June 9, 2019
Weather looks to be great, looking to have a profitable day as we shake off the Belmont hangover. An up and coming Jersey-bred filly is featured in the card’s highlight stakes – hoping Horologist if tough enough for open stakes…
Race 1: 6 – 8 – 2
Kathak – Juddmonte bred, cuts back in distance for return. Ultra-tough barn has them ready a vacation, cut back in distance not a problem – should sit and close to win. Giant Plunger is bred for grass top and bottom, though may prefer longer. A couple of quick works have him sitting on ready. Needs to break well and move in to try and save some ground through the turn. Intimidation – Servis 1ster by Curlin, sprinting on grass first out…hmmm….Interesting Servis-like work pattern and times.
Race 2: 1 – 2 – 3
Agora hard to deny record over the track. Consistently tries – just wish there were more published works coming in. Can sit, and close up the rail. Livin A Dream is another consistent sort. Hails from the ever winning, ever favored, Navarro barn – but this one burns her share of bettors’ cash. Very Charming – leaps up off the big win and claim. Connections must like what they see….
Race3: 7 – 2 – 3
Pascal Chant has never run in a claimer before, let alone a NW2L. Working steadily for return. Sits the outside trip. Bank Note – light bulb angle at play – last was really good, though time unimpressive. Easy maintenance breeze since the last. Transitive drops on the ship in from Parx. Can sit and grind out a share.
Race 4: 5 – 4 – 2
KD Cat Bird on the drop. Not familiar with the connections – which is worrisome, but has run consistently and never this cheap. 13 for 16 in the money on fast dirt. Up to Eleven is dropping off a track score – can go back to back. Malekith – seems to be improving as of late, and is 3rd start off the mini layoff. Can get a piece.
Race 5: 7 – 6 – 1
Going with what I hope will be a price – Alpha Team worked well for new barn and return to turf. Field may be easier than what he’s been facing. Tree Shaker has a very admirable turf record – be a little cheaper than a couple he’s facing today. Regresses off the comeback score? Not So Quiet Man drops into what will be a competitive spot. Likes the course.
Race 6: 10 – 8 – 4
Either of the house horses could take this – Magical Jaime should sit the outside trip – may want grass later, but should be ready for debut. Amazing Cat disappointed 1st out when even-money – however, the winner freaked that day – looks tough. Wallercito working like he has speed. Last work really pops. Should be winging on the front end.
Race 7: 3 – 4 – 1
A full field of turf maidens – many having had multiple chances. Will go with the lightly raced Small Hope. Stretches out and steps up off Del. Debut. Bred for grass top and bottom, with likely improvement. Participation Cup comes out of a tough MSW – best races at this class – should be there. Ruckus will improve first out for Linder. Saves the ground
Race 8: 8 – 1 – 3
Wappinger found a home at the level. Continues to improve under a more patient ride today. Woman Flyer the speed from the rail which is often a potent combination at Monmouth. Wheels back again in 2 weeks. Could shake free. Midnight Sky a little more patient ride may do the trick. Gets at least a piece.
Race 9: 6 – 5 – 8
Really competitive starter allowance – King of Spades comes back quick (feeling good?) off big course win. Always look for quick turnarounds – top barn, right back. Macagone barn stats are crazy good – enters off the March win, and 3 slow works (barn signature) – should be there. Rhythm Park – comes off big frontrunning win. Tough to catch if he shakes free again.
Race 10: 3 – 7 – 8
Horologist – 3 yr. old taking on older – but has serious class edge and recency. Looks super tough coming off two open company wins, Bravo and a nice work since the last, seals it. Kodiack Katie needed her last. Stretches out and has much success over the track and with this jock. Should get the place. Crazy Daisy ships in from Parx to face statebreds – always tries. Should get a piece.
Race 11: 6 – 10 – 8
Bantu is hard not to like off the last few. Drops below the claim price off two placings with tougher. Takes this. Dominant Strategy – off the shelf, off the claim – price is cut in half. A concern. Been working consistently for smart barn – may be placed to win with for sale sign prominent. Follow the Signs looks tough off last though the slow time of that race is a concern. Nice works since the win, also from a smart barn….
Race 12: 5 – 2 – 3
Bella Bank – working very well (but note the year long break between works). Makes belated debut , 4 yr. old should pop from the gate and keep going. My Only Sunshine steps up(?) off a game 2nd in last. Wheels back in two weeks, and could take this with some improvement. Person to Person steps up off same race as MOS – may get a piece.