Joya Real posts head victory in Blue Sparkler

Pewter Stable’s Joya Real sat off the early pace of Nite Delite, took the lead in the middle of the stretch and never looked back, posting a head victory in Sunday’s $60,000 Blue Sparkler Stakes at Monmouth Park.

Joya Real covered the five and a half furlongs over the firm turf course in 1:02.89 and paid $11.20, $4.60 and $3.40. The 8/5 favorite Nite Delite held on to complete the $47.20 exacta and paid $3.40 and $2.80. It was just a half-length back to Cali Thirty Seven along the rail, who paid $5.20 for show.

“She broke really well and was forwardly placed,” said winning rider Frankie Pennington. “There was so much speed in there that it set up perfect. We got the inside trip and when I asked her, she took off. When the horse came to her outside, she fought her off.”

The 7-year-old mare by Eddington out of the Regal Classic mare Regal Locket has now won back-to-back renewals of the Blue Sparkler and boosted her lifetime record to 10-8-3 in 29 starts, good for earnings of $452,799.

“We’ve had this race picked out for her the whole time,” said winning conditioner Kathleen Demasi. “I thought it came up very tough, but she ran great.  Last time she didn’t seem to have her head in the game after taking on Lady Shipman, but today she was perfect.  Frankie (jockey Pennington) rode a great race.  She really likes this track.  We’ll point for the Turf Amazon next (Sept. 5 at Parx).”