Little Mike Takes On Teaks North in U.N.

A field of eight is set to contest this Saturday’s Grade 1, $500,000 United Nations Stakes at Monmouth Park, including the 2011 winner Teaks North and last year’s Breeders’ Cup Turf Classic winner Little Mike.

Trained by Dale Romans, Little Mike enters the mile and three-eighths United Nations off a three-month layoff as he makes his first 2013 U.S. start since travelling to Dubai.   From 18 career turf starts, Little Mike sports 12 wins and earnings of just over $3 million.  Jockey Joel Rosario has the call on Little Mike.

Teaks North, the 2011 U.N. winner, enters this year’s race off a solid score in the Good Reward Stakes at Belmont on May 15.  A millionaire who’s won seven of his 19 turf tries, Teaks North will be reunited with jockey Eddie Castro, who was aboard for their 2011 U.N. victory.

The United Nations will go as the 11th race on Saturday’s 12-race program.  Gates open at Monmouth Park at 11:30 a.m., with first post set for 12:50 p.m.

The United Nations field, from the rail out, with rider assignments is:

1.      Willcox Inn (James Graham)

2.      Big Blue Kitten (Joe Bravo)

3.      Russian Greek (Ryan Barber)

4.      Teaks North (Eddie Castro)

5.      Skyring (Gary Stevens)

6.      Harrods Creek (Elvis Trujillo)

7.      Little Mike (Joel Rosario)

8.      Hangover Kid (Gabriel Saez)