Hard Enough Steps Up in Full Monmouth Stakes Field

An overflowing field of 16 has entered Sunday’s Grade 2 $200,000 Monmouth Stakes, which is set for a mile and an eighth on the turf, but as the field goes postward only 14 of those entries will be allowed to compete.

Among the stacked squad is Hard Enough, conditioned by Bobby Dibona, who comes into the race off of a victory in the Grade 3 Red Bank at Monmouth on May 17, where he bested the field by 3/4 of a length after traveling a mile on the turf.

“He’s better going this added distance,” said Dibona. “In the Red Bank it’s not that we didn’t think we could win the race, but I was looking for a prep race to start the season and get ready to stretch out. Although he didn’t like the soft footing that day he did a really nice job. I’ve been teaching him to relax a bit, he’s got really nice speed but I want him to learn to sit off of horses, and he showed that versatility in the Red Bank.”

A 4-year-old colt by Hard Spun, out of Grecian Wings, Hard Enough will face fierce foes in the Monmouth, including 4-1 morning line favorite and Grade 1 winner Lochte, and Grade 1 wining filly Tannery, who recently claimed victory by a head in the Miss Liberty Stakes on May 26 at Monmouth. However, the bump in class did not change Dibona’s strategy.

“We’re just going to come out and run our race,” said Dibona. “I’m sure we’ll be close. There’s a lot of traffic in there so we just have to see if we can get to the turn and get a good spot. I don’t mind his post position because there’s not that much speed in the race, so with his speed if he breaks well and comes out running he should be able to get to the turn and get a good position.”

Hard Enough will break from the 11 hole in the Monmouth, with returning jockey Eddie Castro aboard.

Even though this looks to be Hard Enough’s toughest test to date, Dibona does not intend to stop here, and has big plans for his graded stakes winner.

“I’m thinking two wins and then the Breeders’ Cup,” Dibona said. “This and the United Nations, so we’re two wins away. He won three stakes here. He’s a phenomenal horse. With his age his future is in front of him, he’s still developing, and he continues to post career highs. He hasn’t topped out so it’s very exciting. He’s really showed improvement this season from last.”

The Monmouth Stakes will go as race 11 on Sunday’s 12-race card.