Chublicious rumbles past stablemate Shaft of Light in Mr. Prospector

With 13,441 cheering him on, David Gruskos’s Chublicious went by stablemate Shaft of Light late in the lane to capture the $75,000 Mr. Prospector Stakes at Monmouth Park on Sunday by a length and a quarter.

The winner covered the six furlongs over a fast main track in 1:08 3/5 and paid $7.40, $3.80 and $3 as the second-choice in the field of seven colts and geldings.  Shaft of Light, who opened up a slight lead turning for home, settled for second, completing the $30 exacta and paying $4.80 and $3.80.  It was another five lengths back to Visionary Ruler, who paid $6 to show.  The all-Navarro trifecta came back $201.20 for a $2 wager.

“It feels great to have the top three finishers in the race,” said trainer Jorge Navarro, “especially at Monmouth, my home and in a really good field.  I said going in that all three horses were doing really well.  I’ll probably keep all of them running here with Jersey breds.”

Ridden by Antonio Gallardo, the New Jersey-bred Chublicious is now two-for-two at the meet, having won the John J. Reilly Handicap in his last.  The 5-year-old gelding by Hey Chub from the Arch mare Sassy Broad, has won 7 of his 14 outings with earnings just shy of a quarter million.

Live racing continues at Monmouth Park on Friday, July 1 for the first of four live race cards, culminating with a special holiday program on Monday, July 4.  Gates open 11:30 a.m. with first post set for 12:50 p.m.  As always, the racetrack is open seven days a week for simulcasting from across the country and around the globe.

Source: Monmouth Park