Middleburg posts a neck victory in Grade 3 Red Bank

Under a patient and perfectly timed ride by Joe Bravo, Mr. & Mrs. Bertram R. Firestone’s Middleburg posted a neck victory in the Grade 3 $100,000 Red Bank Stakes at Monmouth Park on Sunday afternoon.

Tucked in just behind the speed of Fredericksburg and Rose Brier, Middleburg swung outside those rivals at the top of the straight and held off an on-coming Vyjack to nail his second graded stakes win over the Oceanport lawn.  Sent off the 2.30-1 second choice, Middleburg went the flat mile over firm turf 1:33 3/5 and paid $6.60, $3 and $2.20.

Vyjack completed the $29.60 exacta and paid $4.80 and $2.80.  It was nearly another length back to Rose Brier, who paid $2.80 to show. Favoritism went to Reporting Star, who tired around the far turn and checked in last of the six colts and geldings.

“This horse is just so good,” said Bravo.  “We got the perfect trip in behind horses and he settled great.  Around the turn we moved to the outside and he just ran those horses down.  It’s fun to ride ones like this.”

Winner of last year’s Grade 3 Cliff Hanger at Monmouth, the 6-year-old Middleburg has a record of 6-8-3 from 19 lifetime starts.  The Virginia homebred has banked $429,760 for his connections.