Way With Words Sharp in Open Mind
Living up to her odds-on billing, George L. Schwartz’s Way With Words cruised to a four-length win in the $100,000 Open Mind Handicap.
Ridden by Eddie Castro, Way With Words sat off the early pace before rolling by her foes at the eighth pole and drawing off to pay $4, $2.60 and $2.60 as the favorite in the field of nine fillies and mares.
“She’s just a lovely horse to be around,” said winning trainer Mary Eppler. “She can do just about everything. She can win on turf or dirt, while going long or short. She runs hard every time she goes on the track.”
Dakota Doll, who was up on the early pace, held second to complete the $22.80 exacta and paid $5.20 to place and $4 to show. It was another 4 ¼ lengths back to Moneigh Lisa, who returned $5.40 to show.
The Open Mind, run on the fast main track, marked the 10th victory in 25 starts for Way With Words, seven of them coming at Monmouth Park. The daughter of Sefapiano has now earned $466,900 for her connections.