Presious Passion Targets United Nations

Looking ahead to the United Nations Stakes on July 3, the horse who put on an exciting show the last two years, Patricia Generazio’s Presious Passion will be back to try for the hat trick in 2010.

The 7-year-old son of Royal Anthem looked totally out of his game last weekend when he ran seventh of nine in the Monmouth Stakes, but trainer Mary Hartmann said he’s still headed to the U.N.

“He’s fine,” Hartmann said. “He came out of the race in great shape. We’re still pointing to the U.N.

“Everyone’s been asking me what happened in the Monmouth,” the trainer said, “and I really don’t know what to say. Maybe the trip to Dubai (Presious Passion finished last in the Sheema Classic on March 27) messed with his head. I know it wasn’t anything physical.

“And maybe he just didn’t feel like it that day,” said Hartmann, who has gained in-depth knowledge of her horse after dealing with his whims for six seasons now.

“You know, every once in a while, he tosses in a clunker,” Hartmann said. “He always has. So I just turn the page, forget that race, and keep going forward.”