Flay Mignon Captures Colleen Stakes

Laurie Plesa’s Flay Mignon battled early with Jonesin for Jerry before putting away that rival and all the rest to capture the $60,000 Colleen Stakes at Monmouth Park on Sunday by nearly two lengths.

Ridden by Paco Lopez, Flay Mignon covered the five furlongs over firm turf in :56 3/5 and paid $3, $2.40 and $2.10 as one-half of the odds-on entry with Pray a Novena.  Pure Lady Like rallied to complete the $88.60 exacta and returned $22 and $10.80.  It was another length back to Aibhilin, who paid $3.40 to show.

“I was a little concerned about the turf because of her breeding, but she really impressed me today,” said winning trainer Eddie Plesa Jr., who conditions Flay Mignon for his wife.  “I think she could be one of the best fillies we have in the barn.  The Sorority Stakes (here on Sept. 1) will be next.  Provided her and Pray a Novena both come out of this the way I hope they do, they’ll both go next in the Sorority.”

A New Jersey-bred 2-year-old by Yesbyjimminy from the Forest Camp mare Forest Retreat, Flay Mignon is now a perfect two-for-two.  She’s earned $60,000 for her owner, who also bred the filly.