Saucy Don Reels in Speed at Monmouth Park

Patricia Generazio’s Saucy Don sat behind the speed before angling out in mid-stretch and grabbing the lead in the shadow of the wire to capture the $60,000 John J. Reilly Handicap at Monmouth Park on Saturday afternoon by a head.

With Abel Castellano Jr. in the irons, Saucy Don waited on the rail behind the speed duel of 2-5 favorite Rainbow Heir and longshot Sierra Ancha.  As the field turned for home Loverbil made a move for the lead, but could not hold off Saucy Don, who stopped the timer in 1:09 2/5 for six furlongs over a fast main track.  The winner returned $14.20, $5.80 and $3.60 and topped a $50.20 exacta.  Loverbil paid $4.80 and $3.40.  It was another neck back to Javerre, who paid $3.60 to show.  Odds-on favorite Rainbow Heir checked in fourth.

“I was worried when he was stuck down inside,” said winning trainer Terri Pompay.  “He doesn’t usually like that and throws his head a little, but Abel (jockey Castellano) knows this horse and he has all the confidence in the world in him.  This is just an old classy horse that tells you when he’s feeling good and he’s been acting like that for several weeks now.”

A 5-year-old horse by Don Six from the Belong to Me mare Saucy Broad, Saucy Don sports a lifetime record of 6-3-6 from 23 starts, good for earnings of $280,970.  All six of his wins have come over the Oceanport oval.

Source: Monmouth Park