Philippis Wins on Meadowlands Opening Day

Bruno Schickedanz’s Philippis did not disappoint her backers in the opening day feature at the Monmouth-at-Meadowlands meet, besting her rivals by a half-length in the $30,000 allowance/optional claiming event as the even-money favorite.

With jockey Paco Lopez aboard, Philippis took control soon after the start before holding off the late charges of Sea of Laughter and Lucky Empress, covering the mile over firm turf in 1:39 3/5.  The winner returned $4, $3.20 and $2.60.  Sea of Laughter completed the $26 exacta and paid $4.80 and $3.40.  It was another neck back to Lucky Empress, who paid $3.60 to show.

A 4-year-old daughter of Belong to Me from the A.P. Indy mare Nokomos, Philippis has won five of her 11 starts this season.

Thoroughbred racing continues at the all-turf Monmouth-at-Meadowlands meet on Saturday, Oct. 12 – gates open 11:30 a.m., first post 2:15 p.m.  Live racing will be offered on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays through Nov. 2, with the exception of Monday, Oct. 21, which will be a dark day.