"Jersey Joe" Bravo takes the United Nations Again

Big Blue Kitten won the United Nations (G1) at Monmouth Park today and a guaranteed spot in the Breeders’ Cup Turf at Santa Anita on November 2.  The betting public made Big Blue Kitten the 5-2 second choice behind the favorite Little Mike.

With connections like: Ken and Sarah Ramsey as owners, Chad Brown as trainer, Kitten’s Joy as sire, and Joe Bravo as jockey; a victory in this grade one turf stake should have come as no surprise. When Bravo brought Big Blue Kitten back to the winner’s circle he yelled with glee, “No doubt, no doubt.”

 

As was expected Little Mike shot out of the gate to set the pace going 1:12.43 for the first six furlongs. At that point Gary Stevens sent Skyring up to challenge the leader. Little Mike held off that challenge but at the top of the stretch he began to tire and bore out slightly, giving Bravo just enough room through which to squeeze.

 

How tight was the opening for Bravo and Big Blue Kitten? The always jocular “Jersey Joe” said, “He is a thin horse and if I was on a fat horse he probably wouldn’t have made it.”

 

After the race Bravo, who won the United Nations last year on Turbo Compressor, said, “I just won a grade one for Chad Brown and Mr. Ramsey.  The horse was really relaxed the whole race. He was sitting comfortable underneath me.  It was a grade one, the United Nations, look what he did when he turned for home. He exploded. He’s just a really good horse.”

 

Trainer Chad Brown, who watched the race from his office in Saratoga, heaped the praise on Bravo, “Another memorable ride from Joe Bravo.  That was one for his highlight reel.  I had so much confidence in Joe riding this horse.  I came down when he ran at Monmouth last out and Joe told me if he knew the horse a little bit more he would have probably won that one.  After his last race, Joe really sold me on giving the United Nations some consideration.”

 

Chad Brown talked about the future for Big Blue Kitten, “I don’t know where we’ll go next yet, I will speak to Mr. Ramsey about it.  I’m sure we’ll take a look at the Arlington Million, I wouldn’t be opposed to going a mile and a half in the Sword Dancer, or cutting back for the Arlington Million.  He’ll head back to his base at Saratoga tonight and we’ll wait and see.”