Monmouth Park Barn Notes - June 20
The $60,000 Blue Sparkler Stakes for fillies and mares will take place at Monmouth Park this Saturday, where Geeky Gorgeous will look to continue an impressive streak for trainer Daniel J. Lopez. Since beginning her career in 2011 Geeky Gorgeous has won five of 11 races, and has never finished worse than third in any of those events. She looks to improve off of her last race in the Open Mind Handicap (June 2), where she finished second by ¾ of a length going six furlongs at Monmouth.
“She should go forward after her last race,” said Lopez, who also owns the filly. “She’s a real hard knockin’ mare and she’ll improve this weekend.”
A 4-year-old filly by Devil His Due out of Thatholeinmypocket, Geeky Gorgeous has accumulated $193,940 in lifetime earnings, and since Lopez trains Geeky Gorgeous exclusively in the summer, that number is identical to her earnings at Monmouth Park.
Geeky Gorgeous, who has won two of her last three, will travel six furlongs over Monmouth’s main track Saturday and will break from the two hole in a race that Lopez believes will have a hot pace.
“There’s a lot of speed in here,” Lopez said, “but she fits right in with this group. She’ll run her race Saturday. We just hope we finish better than third. Have to keep the streak going.”
Leading jockey Elvis Trujillo gets the mount on Geeky Gorgeous in Saturday’s Blue Sparkler.
PICK 5 ($31,408), JERSEY SHORE SIX ($26,611) CARRYOVERS AT MONMOUTH FRIDAY
With a string of longshots peppering the Sunday card at Monmouth Park, Friday’s racing program will feature a pair of carryovers - $31,408 to be added to the Pick 5 and $26,611 for a lone winning ticket in the Jersey Shore Six.
Friday’s Pick 5, which is set for races six through 10, is a 50-cent base wager with a takeout rate of just 15 percent.
The Jersey Shore Six, which is based on the popular Rainbow Six at Gulfstream, has a 10-cent base wager. To win the jackpot, a ticket must have the winner of the last six races on the card and be the only one to have done so. If more than one person has a winning ticket, they split 60% of the net pool with 40% going to the carryover.
BETHENNY FRANKEL AT MONMOUTH PARK THIS SATURDAY
Oceanport, N.J. -- Television star and entrepreneur Bethenny Frankel is visiting the Monmouth Park Racetrack on Saturday, June 22, for an appearance and live Skinnygirl® Cocktails demonstration. Frankel, who founded Skinnygirl® Cocktails – which now offers a full line of low-calorie vodkas, wines and cocktails – will make her first Monmouth Park appearance on-track at 1:00pm.
“I am thrilled to visit Monmouth Park and help kick-off the exciting partnership with Skinnygirl Cocktails,” Frankel said. “We’ve brought in an exciting line-up of our newest products to the track, so I’m looking forward to toasting the winners and enjoying a great day at the races.”
Frankel’s day will commence with a private V.I.P event in the Monmouth Café, followed by a cocktail demonstration on the first floor of the Grandstand. She will then present a trophy in the winner’s circle.
“Bethenny,” Frankel’s new talk show, is slated to premier Sept. 9, 2013 on FOX.
WIN AND WINE WEEKEND AT MONMOUTH SATURDAY AND SUNDAY
Guests will be pouring into Monmouth Park Saturday and Sunday for Win and Wine weekend where they will be able to sample and purchase delicious wines as they enjoy a day at the races. For $10 patrons will receive a souvenir glass and access to unlimited wine sampling from vintners such as Cava Winery, Old York Cellars, Unionville Vineyards and Renault Winery, among others.
Patrons will also be able to enjoy goods from artisan crafters, and live music from The Larry Stevens Band on Saturday, and The Kootz on Sunday.
Gates open at 11:30 a.m., with post time at 12:50 p.m. for both days.