First Set of 2-Year-Olds Hit Monmouth Park Friday
Monmouth Park has proven the starting grounds for numerous 2-year-olds who have debuted in Oceanport and gone on to the highest levels of the sport. This Friday, six fillies will look to be the next superstar who got their start right here at Monmouth when they debut in the day’s opener, a $36,000 maiden special weight event.
Of the six that will be loading into the starting gate, Kelly Breen, a continued staple on the Monmouth Park training circuit, will send out Gauche, for the familiar connections of George and Lori Hall.
“She’s got a good head on her shoulders,” said Breen. “She has been working well and has been quick from the gate in the mornings so we hope that carries over to Friday’s race.”
Gauche is from Smart Strike out of the Silver Deputy mare Bickersons. Smart Strike stood for a stud fee of $100,000 before his passing in March 2015. He produced 113 stakes winners in his lifetime, most recently Grade 1 winners Minorette and Crown Queen in 2014. Smart Strike had some Monmouth Park success during his racing career, winning the Iselin in 1996.
Bickersons, who came from the same connections as Gauche, was a Grade 2 winner in the 2010 Forward Gal atGulfstream Park. She also finished third in Grade 1s twice, the Spinaway at Saratoga and Oak Leaf at Santa Anita.
“Bickersons had a bit of temper issues when she raced, but this horse (Gauche) is smarter,” said Breen, whose charge will break from post five on Friday.
Eddie Plesa Jr., another Monmouth Park training regular, will send out Hissy Fit for Laurie Plesa and David Melin. In 2014, Plesa Jr. won at a 24% clip with a record of 8-7-2 with his 34 first time starters. On Friday, his entrant will need to overcome the rail as she debuts from post one.
There is no mistaking the resume that Monmouth Park maiden races have for jump-starting the careers of some talented horses. Since the 1960s, eight champions and a host of major stakes winners have gotten their start right here.
The champions who have come out of Monmouth maiden races include Tosmah (1963), Candy Éclair (1978), Lord Avie (1980), Open Mind (1988), Dehere (1993), Holy Bull (1994), Skip Away (a champion in 1996, 1997 and 1998), and Smoke Glacken (1996).
45TH ANNUAL IRISH FESTIVAL SUNDAY, JUNE 7 AT MONMOUTH
The 45th annual Irish Festival will return to Monmouth Park this Sunday, June 7. Enjoy a beautiful day of live racing highlighted by Irish step dancing, crafters, food, and a pipe and drum competition. Three different stages throughout the park will host music from the Emerald Isle all day long.
Patrons will also get a chance to enjoy the fan-favorite Human Horse Race, where 12 runners will break from the gate in a sprint on Monmouth’s main track for charity, each in his or her own saddle cloth.
Monmouth Park’s Family Fun Day will continue as well with face painting, pony rides, and a bounce house in the picnic area.
The day kicks off early with a special Irish Mass at 11 a.m. on the first floor of the Grandstand. Gates will open on Sunday at 10 a.m., with first post slated at 12:50 p.m.
THREE-DAY RACING SCHEDULE RETURNS JUNE 5
Monmouth Park returns to a three-day racing schedule tomorrow Friday, June 5 and will continue all summer long through Labor Day. Monmouth will host live racing on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays with a special Monday card on Labor Day, Sept. 7, with the highlight of the meet being the $1 million William Hill Haskell Invitational on Aug. 2.
Racing then goes back to two days a week, Saturdays and Sundays, until closing day Sept. 27, after which turf racing will move to the Meadowlands for the month of October.
BELMONT VIEWING PARTY SATURDAY AT MONMOUTH
Monmouth Park will welcome guests to the William Hill Room Saturday, June 6, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., as American Pharoah seeks to capture the third and final leg of the Triple Crown, the Belmont Stakes. For $40, patrons will be provided with Grandstand admission, a racing program, a special selection sheet, a lunch buffet, access to a cash bar, and a great seat and atmosphere to watch American Pharoah’s attempt at history. Ticket does not include $4 general parking.
Guests will also be able to enjoy a full card of live racing at Monmouth Park featuring the $60,000 Crank it Up Stakes going five and a half furlongs on the turf. Seating is limited and reservations will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis – no walk-ups. To make reservations guests can call 732-571-6595 or go to www.monmouthpark.com for more information.
Anyone looking to jumpstart their Belmont Stakes action can be at Monmouth Park on Friday, June 5 for advanced wagering on the third leg of the Triple Crown. Betting windows will open at noon.
Source: Monmouth Park