Pinot Grigio Uncorks to Win Open Mind

Willard Thompson's Pinot Grigio had a successful graduation into stakes company as the easy winner of the $60,000 Open Mind Handicap for New Jersey-bred fillies and mares at Monmouth Park.

Even-money favorite World Gone Wright took the lead early, followed closely by P J's Superego who pressed the pacesetter in fractions of :21 4/5, :45 flat and :57 4/5. Pinot Grigio settled off the pace and rallied from the outside to take control at the top of the stretch.

The winning jockey, Gabriel Saez, was pleased with his mount's trip. "She was nice and comfortable the whole way. She was a little sharper today at the break than last time, so I just let her lay a little closer before making my move," he said. "Around the 3/8ths pole she started gaining on the leaders and when she got to the outside in the stretch, she really started running. I was very impressed with her."

Unable to shake the early challenge from P J's Superego, World Gone Wright faded to third in the stretch. P J's Superego was no match for a charging Pinot Grigio and settled for second.

The running time for six furlongs was 1:11 1/5. 

Pinot Grigio is a 5-year-old mare by Unbridled Jet and out of Purely, by Concorde's Tune. She was bred by Quiet Winter Farm and is co-owned by Lou Ottrando and her trainer Williard Thompson.

Pinot Grigio has had her greatest success at Monmouth, accounting for all of her wins including a solid allowance victory in her last out on May 10. With a lifetime record of five wins, five seconds and eight thirds from 26 starts, the winner pushes her total earnings to more than $215,000.