Triple Arch Looks for First Stakes Victory

Looking for her first stakes victory, Triple Arch will go for trainer Marcus Vitali in this Saturday’s Grade 3 Eatontown Stakes. The Eatontown, which will be contested for the 43rd time, has drawn a field of nine fillies and mares who will travel a mile and a sixteenth along Monmouth’s turf course.

Triple Arch has posted four works since arriving at Monmouth Park, most recently breezing 3 furlongs in :36 2/5 on June 2 in preparation for the Eatontown.

“I shipped her up in May and she’s really liked it here,” said Vitali. “She’s been training excellently.”

A 4-year-old filly by Arch, out of Ambling, Triple Arch finished third in each of her last two outings, the Grade 3 Galorette Handicap on Pimlico turf on May 17, and then in the slop at Parx on June 10. Vitali believes that Monmouth’s turf course will suit her well as she seeks the winner’s share of the $100,000 purse this Saturday.

“She’s versatile but her numbers are better on the turf,” Vitali said. “I think this is a good spot for her. I think it fits her style, the distance is right, and she should be on go I hope.”

Running in the colors of Crossed Sabres Farm, Triple Arch will face tough competition in the Eatontown. Among the competitors are graded stakes winner Lady Ten, as well as the morning line favorite Orion Moon who, at 2-1 will break from post four just outside Triple Arch.

“She’ll be close to the pace,” said Vitali. “There’s a lot of speed in there, but I think she’ll be up in there, maybe third or fourth. I like that she’s close to the post, I think it’s a good spot for her.”

Jockey Orlando Bocachica will be in the irons aboard Triple Arch in the 11th race on Saturday’s 12-race card.

STREET BRAWL TO MAKE RETURN IN FRIDAY’S FEATURE

Street Brawl is set to make his return to racing after a 25 month layoff for trainer Chuck Spina in Monmouth Park’s Friday feature. The $44,000 allowance/optional claiming event will be Street Brawl’s first start in the Spina barn, who is also a part owner of the horse through a private purchase.

“If he runs like he did before the layoff he’ll be right in the thick of things,” Spina said. “This race came up very tough, but he’s been training well, he had a nice workout this month, so you hope for the best.”

Before the layoff Street Brawl was a perfect 2-for-2, breaking her maiden in her first attempt at Aqueduct in April of 2012, and winning a $75,000 optional claiming event at Belmont in May of that year.

A 5-year-old gelding by Street Sense, out of Regally Appealing, Street Brawl worked twice in June at Monmouth Park, going 5 furlongs handily from the gate in 1:00 flat on June 3, and breezing six furlongs in 1:17 flat on June 15.

Among the tough competition Spina spoke of are stakes winners Hot Heir Skier and morning line favorite Just Call Kenny. Street Brawl will break from the rail as he and a field of seven sprint six furlongs along Monmouth’s main track.

“It’s hard to say how he’ll run in this race,” Spina said, “especially after the long layoff. I’m not thrilled about drawing the rail. You hate the rail going three quarters, but we’ll see.”  

Jockey Jose Ferrer gets the mount aboard Street Brawl in Friday’s feature, which will go as race 9 on Friday’s 10-race card.

WIN AND WINE WEEKEND AT MONMOUTH SATURDAY AND SUNDAY

Guests will pour into Monmouth Park Saturday and Sunday for Win and Wine weekend, where they will be able to sample and purchase delicious wines and enjoy a day at the races. For $10 patrons will receive a souvenir glass and unlimited access to wine sampling from vintners such as DiMatteo Vineyards, 4JG’s Winery, Wagonhouse Winery, and Renault Winery, among others.

Patrons will also be able to purchase goods from artisan crafters, and enjoy live music from The Mike Dalton Band on Saturday, and The Larry Stevens Band on Sunday.

Gates open at 11:30 a.m., with post time at 12:50 p.m. for both days.

POPULAR DAWN PATROL RESUMES JUNE 22

Monmouth’s popular Dawn Patrol program, which gives fans a glimpse into racing life behind the scenes, is scheduled to resume on Sunday, June 22. It will run through Aug. 24.

This year, Dawn Patrol will be held on Saturdays and Sundays, starting at 8 a.m. The free morning tour consists of a tram ride through the Monmouth stable area during workout hours, a close-up look at the starting gate, a tour of the jockeys’ room – usually off-limits to the public – and a running commentary on racetrack life by hostess Laurie Lane.

Dawn Patrol guests can feed carrots to the ponies in the stable area during the tram tour.

Space is limited and reservations are required. They can be made by calling 732-571-5542 in advance.