Stiffed Ready for Friday's Molly Pitcher

Stiffed looks for back-to-back stakes wins at Monmouth Park in Friday’s Grade 3, $150,000 Molly Pitcher Stakes going a mile and a sixteenth on the main track to kick off an eventful Fourth of July weekend.

“She has been training really well since her last race,” said trainer John Mazza, who conditions the horse for Holly Crest Farm. “We couldn’t be happier with how she is doing.”

The 4-year-old filly by Stephen Got Even out of the Silver Deputy mare High Noon Nellie was last seen in the Monmouth Beach Stakes on May 24 where she was last along the entire backstretch before flying down the homestretch late to score a half-length victory.

Stiffed has worked twice since her Monmouth Beach victory. Her latest going four furlongs over a fast Monmouth Park main track in: 49 1/5.

“I was hoping to see a little more speed in the race,” said Mazza. “She will still make her big move down the stretch. She loves the track and even when she gallops, she finishes strong every time. I think she will improve on the last performance.”

Stiffed will have to get by some familiar foes to take the Molly Pitcher title. Got Lucky and Mary N’ Eileen are both coming out of the Monmouth Beach. Got Lucky just got caught at the wire to finish second while Mary N’ Eileen finished seventh.

The Molly Pitcher is the first of three graded stakes on the weekend, all leading up to the Grade 1 $500,000 United Nations Stakes, a Breeders’ Cup Win & You’re In event for the Turf division. Horse of the Year finalist, Main Sequence, will return to defend his UN title. His win in last year’s edition catapulted him to four straight Grade 1 victories, including a win in the Breeders’ Cup Turf. 

The Molly Pitcher will be race 10 on Friday’s 11-race card. Gates open at 11:30 a.m., with first post at 12:50 p.m. all weekend long.

                       

 

Monmouth Park will have a full schedule of events on and off the track to celebrate Fourth of July weekend.

On Friday, Monmouth will hold their Jockey Autograph Signing and Memorabilia Sale.  All proceeds will go to Second Call, a non-profit racehorse adoption program.

On the Fourth of July, Monmouth will offer a free Miller Lite Grandstand Pass with paid admission. Passes will be valid from July 5 to closing day Sept. 27.

Ten $100 vouchers will be raffled off on both Friday and Saturday. Entry forms will be given out at all gates and must be filled out and dropped off at one of the two Welcome Centers for a chance to win.

On Sunday, Monmouth Park is throwing the ultimate backyard BBQ with the Red, White & Blue Party presented by Budweiser. The party includes different competitions including a game pit with corn hole and horseshoes, eating competitions and great prizes for the best red, white and blue outfits. All day long, there will Bud and Bud Light specials along with live music from After the Reign and Rachel Allyn. Arrive early to receive a free Monmouth Park beach tote while supplies last.

Also on Sunday is the $200 Monmouth Park/Woodbine Racetrack Handicapping Challenge with the top two finishers earning berths into the 2016 DRF/NTRA National Handicapping Championship and the winner getting an entry in the 2015 Breeders’ Cup Betting Challenge.

All military, police, fire, EMT in uniform or with I.D. will receive Free Grandstand or Clubhouse admission on Sunday as well.

On the track, three graded stakes are scheduled for the weekend headlined by Sunday’s Grade 1 United Nations Stakes featuring Horse of the Year finalist Main Sequence. The UN is a Breeders’ Cup Win & You’re In event for the Turf division.

The weekend also features the Grade 3 Molly Pitcher Stakes on Friday and the Grade 3 Salvator Mile on Sunday.