Sacco Saddles Two in Sorority
Trainer Gregg Sacco will saddle Let’s Parlay and Flamingo Dancer in this Sunday’s $75,000 Sorority Stakes as that duo and six others go six furlongs in Monmouth’s top race for 2-year-old fillies.
“They’re both training great,” said Sacco from his headquarters in barn 6. “They both won at first asking rather easily and have been training forwardly since.”
Flamingo Dancer was first out of the box, going gate to wire on June 27, winning by just over five lengths. She returned with a fifth-place finish in the Colleen Stakes on Aug. 10, that race over the turf.
“She’s didn’t appear to like the turf all that much,” Sacco said. “She didn’t run badly, it just seems that her preferred surface will be dirt. She’s put in some nice works since that race and should put in a good effort on Sunday.”
Let’s Parlay got her career started on Aug. 9, winning by 2 ½ lengths, coming from just off the pace in a 5 ½-furlong event.
“They’re running styles are different,” Sacco said. “Flamingo Dancer will be forwardly placed, while Let’s Parlay will be stalking. Their styles complement each other in this race. It’s a tough race and they’ll really need to be running, but they should be up to it.”
Jose Ferrer, who was aboard for each of their maiden wins has the call aboard Flamingo Dancer, while Eddie Castro will take the reins on Let’s Parlay for the first time. Both fillies were bred in New Jersey by owner Red Oak Stable.
Among the others entered in the Sorority are Save Rock and Roll, a daughter of Kentucky Derby winner Super Saver, who broke her maiden here on Aug. 2; Perpetual Novena, a debut winner here on June 6 and runner-up in the Colleen Stakes last out; and, Coco’s Wildcat, a stakes winner at Gulfstream on July 12.
The Sorority will go as race nine on Sunday’s 12-race card.
BBQ & CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL, LABOR DAY FESTIVITIES AHEAD
With live racing set for Friday through Monday (Labor Day), Monmouth Park has a full slate of activities to complement the holiday weekend.
The annual BBQ & Craft Beer Festival returns this Saturday and Sunday with fans able to enjoy smoked barbecue goodness from around the state including Ben's BBQ, Chop Shop BBQ, DRJ Catering, Enzo's Pizza, Five Sisters Catering, Four Boys Concession, JT's Drive In, Kim Chi Smoke, Local Smoke BBQ, Mary Queen of Pork, El Lechon De Negron, and Jersey Shore BBQ.
In addition, for $10 patrons will receive a commemorative mini pilsner glass and 10 samples in our craft beer garden featuring over 50 local brews.
There will be live music “On the Green” both days, with After The Reign performing Saturday and BethAnne Clayton playing Sunday. Also on Sunday will be Family Fun Day with clowns, pony rides, a bounce house, face painters and more to entertain the kids.
For the holiday card on Monday, fans with paid admission will receive a pass that is good for the rest of Monmouth Park’s racing season, which is redeemable at the Finish Line Welcome Center or at the Miller VIP Hangout. The VIP Hangout will also feature relaxed seating, $3 Miller Lite specials, giveaways, cornhole, and live entertainment from DJ Gotts of 95.9 the WRAT.
Family Fun Day will be in full force again on Monday as Pez Head performs live “On the Green.”
Gates open at Monmouth at 11:30 a.m. with first post slated for 12:50 p.m. Following the Labor Day Card Monmouth will shift to live racing on Saturdays and Sundays through the end of the meet on Sept. 28.
N.J. THOROUGHBRED FESTIVAL RETURNS SEPT. 6 WITH T-SHIRT GIVEAWEAY
Anyone looking to make September plans needs to circle the 6th and plan on being at Monmouth Park as the racetrack celebrates the 12th annual New Jersey Thoroughbred Festival. The day features the best of the best runners bred in the Garden State with four stakes races on the calendar.
All paid admissions on Festival Day will receive a commemorative long sleeve t-shirt and will enjoy a slew of vendors and events to celebrate the Thoroughbred racing industry in the Garden State.
Gates will open at 11:30 a.m. with first post at 12:50 p.m.
Source: Monmouth Park