September 26, 2006                         

MONMOUTH NUMBERS DOWN          

By MIKE FARRELL, Daily Racing Form

OCEANPORT, N.J. - The Monmouth Park meet that concluded Sunday was a season of unusual occurrences that produced a down year for racing on the Jersey Shore.

All major averages fell from 2005.

Ontrack handle on live Monmouth races dropped 10 percent to $580,824, as daily attendance slipped 7.5 percent to 8,400.

Total handle from all sources on Monmouth races dropped 1.6 percent to $2,354,237.

As a seasonal meet, Monmouth is heavily dependent on three major holidays: Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day. Each was damaged this year by separate factors.

The first seven weeks of the meet, including Memorial Day, were hurt by the absence of turf racing. Installation of the new grass course, a major renovation to accommodate the Breeders' Cup in 2007, fell behind schedule in the fall of 2005, and turf racing at Monmouth did not debut this year until late June.

Monmouth tried to offset the turf absence by shifting three dates - one of which was rained out, to the Meadowlands racetrack for all-grass cards.

"We knew we'd have issues last winter when the turf course didn't get finished," said Bob Kulina, Monmouth's vice president and general manager.

"Going the first seven weeks with out grass racing obviously affected the product. It forced the race office to utilize a lot of dirt horses. You felt that the rest of the meet."

A budget impasse between the legislature and the governor triggered an unprecedented shut down of New Jersey state government and cost Monmouth two cards during the July 4th week. Finally, Tropical Depression Ernesto washed out the Saturday program on Labor Day weekend.

One other day was lost to extreme heat, for a total of five cancellations - a very high total for a summer meet.

"It was a very strange year," Kulina said. "Things kept popping up."

The three B's - Bravo, Breen, and Broome - won the major titles.

"Jersey Joe" Bravo extended his own record with a 12th riding title, riding 125 winners. Kelly Breen, with 40 victories, was top trainer for a second straight year, and Eddie Broome topped the owners' list a third time with his 17 winners.

Trainer Todd Pletcher had a strong meet, winning 11 stakes, including both Grade 1's: the United Nations with English Channel and the Haskell Invitational with Bluegrass Cat. 

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September 24, 2006
RECORD PURSES, NEW TURF COURSE, HASKELL DAY THE POSITIVES
AS MONMOUTH MEET ENDS WITH DECLINES IN HANDLE, ATTENDANCE
Monmouth Park.com

OCEANPORT, N.J. - Monmouth Park closed out its 2006 racing season Sunday with declines in handle and attendance, offset by bright spots such as the highest purses in track history; an increase of more than $1 million in total betting on New Jersey Thoroughbred Festival Day; the opening of a new turf course, and the seventh consecutive year with attendance of more than 40,000 on Haskell Invitational Day.

Monmouth lost the most number of racing days ever, with the scheduled 91-day meet whittled down to 87 programs (even with make-up dates). A total of five programs were canceled - one due to extreme heat; one to rain for the June 12 turf program at the Meadowlands; one to rain and wind, and two to the unprecedented state government budget shutdown.

Total daily handle declined 1.6 percent with a daily average of $2,354,237. On-track daily handle on Monmouth races was down 10 percent, a daily average of $580,824. Wagering in the building on both live and simulcast racing declined 6.5 percent to a daily average of $1,205,411.

Average daily attendance slipped 7.5 percent from 2005, averaging 8,400 per day.

The on-track declines were due in great part to the expansion of telephone and account wagering in the state. Handle figures that were once incorporated into Monmouth totals are now considered transmission wagering.

Total wagering from all sources averaged $3,549,451, a decline of 2.5 percent from last year.

Turf racing, always an important factor in total handle, was not conducted for the first six weeks of the 2006 meeting. The new turf course did not open until June 18.

During the meeting, Monmouth offered its highest purse structure in history. Overnight purses averaged $325,053 per day (an increase of 5.6 percent over the 2005 figure), and total purses - including stakes races - of $364,678 a day, an gain of 2.5 percent over last year.

"With on-line and account wagering moving out of its infancy, a decrease in on-track handle was anticipated and expected," said Dennis Dowd, senior vice president racing for the New Jersey Sports & Exposition Authority.

"We were pleased to see our total handle off a very slight number as wagering in New Jersey transforms and will continue to transform with the advent of OTBs next year.

"We believe that in the long run, the combination of on-line and account wagering, coupled with OTBs and on-track handle will lead to overall increases in total handle that will provide benefits across the board to everyone involved.

"With five days gone due to weather and other circumstances beyond our control, it makes an impact," Dowd said. "It affects our fans, it affects morale, and it's a severe detriment to building momentum at a meet that was less than 90 days long."

Dowd cited the new grass course - the venue for one of the strongest runnings ever of the United Nations Stakes (G1) at Monmouth soon after it opened in late June - as a major positive of the year.

"We couldn't be more pleased with the new turf course," he said. "All those involved in bringing it to fruition deserve a lot of credit, and their hard work will continue to pay dividends to the Sports Authority for years to come. Not only was it a great success, but its safety - and the safety of the main track - is something that management and horsemen can be very proud of."

Dowd said that despite the shortfall in numbers, several aspects of the meeting have created a positive outlook for next year - Monmouth's Breeders' Cup season - and beyond.

"While the numbers may not reflect and air of optimism," he said, "it certainly exists at Monmouth Park. Record purses are always something to smile about, and it continues a five-year trend of offering increased purses annually.

"The Breeders' Cup and its impact are already being felt and as we close this year's season and look forward to 2007, Breeders' Cup Day and beyond, there is a bright future for racing at Monmouth."

Once again, Haskell Day on Aug. 6 was the highlight of the season at Monmouth. The day's crowd of 42,318 was the fifth largest in track history, and the seventh straight year the event has attracted more than 40,000 fans. Bluegrass Cat won the $1 million Haskell, giving trainer Todd Pletcher his first victory in the race.

The fourth annual New Jersey Thoroughbred Festival Day was the most successful ever, with a total of $3,971,782 wagered on the day. That was an increase of more than $1 million over the 2005 total of $2,961,900.

Joe Bravo captured his 12th riding crown - and fourth in a row --at Monmouth and trainer Kelly Breen repeated as leading conditioner. Ed Broome was the top owner at the meeting, and Mario Madrid was the leading apprentice. 

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September 23, 2006
MONMOUTH'S KILLER B's - BROOME, BREEN, BRAVO - WIN TITLES AGAIN
Monmouth Park.com

For owner Ed Broome, trainer Kelly Breen, and jockey Joe Bravo, the 2006 Monmouth Park season was a repeat of 2005. All three repeated as the leaders, with Bravo taking his record 12th riding title, Broome his third owner title and Breen his second training crown. Four horses tied with four wins for leading runner at the meet.

Through Friday's racing, Broome had 17 winners to lead all the owners, with Patricia Generazio second with 14 and Stronach Stables third with 13. Richard Malouf, whose horses are trained by Broome, had the highest winning percentage of any owner with 10 wins, five second and five thirds from 25 starters, a winning percentage of 40 percent, and an in-the-money record of 80 percent.

Broome shared last year's title with 13 wins, as he tied with Peter Kazamias and Michael Gill.

Breen, who won his first training title last year when he saddled 38 winners, had already topped that mark through Friday, with 40 winners from 160 starters, a 25 percent win average. The New Jersey native (born in Perth Amboy) went out on his own in 2000 after working as an assistant to Ben Perkins Sr.

Bruce Levine, who was second last year with 26 wins, had 30 to be runner-up again. Eddie Broome was third with 28.

Bravo has had a lock on Monmouth's riding title for most of two decades right now, and was the runaway leader through Friday with 124 wins. Jose Lezcano was second with 95, and Chuck Lopez third with 85.

Bravo, a native of Long Branch, N.J., has now won four straight riding crowns. Injuries in 2001 and 2002 kept him on the ground, but he had taken the titles in 1999 and 2000. Bravo won six straight riding titles from 1991 through 1996.

Four horses finished the meet with four victories, including Who's the Cowboy, trained by Kevin Sleeter,who won four stakes and had only one loss in five starts. Tiger D.R. won four of six starts at the stand for trainer Jim Ryerson.

A pair of 3-year-olds were perfect at the meeting. Missile Motor won all four of his starts for trainer Bill Croll, and the filly Solar Powered swept her four starts here for trainer Jose Samaniego. 

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September 23, 2006
LIVERMORE VALLEY RETURNS TO ACTION IN MONGO QUEEN
Monmouth Park.com

Trainer Jim Ryerson has had two shining lights on the track this year in Park Avenue Ball and Livermore Valley.

The former, a 4-year-old New Jersey-bred colt, capped his Monmouth season with a victory in the Grade 3 Iselin Stakes in August, and is headed for the Grade 2 Meadowlands Breeders' Cup Stakes at the Meadowlands on Oct. 13.

Livermore Valley, a 3-year-old filly, won the Dearly Precious Stakes here in June and then tried Grade 1 company in the Prioress at Belmont (finishing third) and the Test at Saratoga (finishing fifth). After a short rest, she's back in action here Sunday in the $65,000 Mongo Queen Stakes in what could be a warm-up for graded stakes down the road. The Mongo Queen, set as the 10th of 11 races on Monmouth's closing day card, will be the final stakes race of the 2006 season.

"She had two tough races in New York," Ryerson said, "and we gave her six weeks off. She's been breezing well here, and this was a good spot to bring her back."

Livermore Valley, a Maryland-bred daughter of Mt. Livermore - Secret Prospect, by Allen's Prospect, has three wins and a second in her four starts at Monmouth. Her only loss came in her first start last year when she missed by less than a length. She broke her maiden by three next out, and won the Colleen Stakes in her final 2-year-old start here. Her only 2006 outing here was the Dearly Precious on June 17, which she won by nearly three lengths.

"If she gives us a good effort Sunday, we'll point for a stakes next month at either Keeneland or Laurel," Ryerson said.

The two races the trainer is looking at are both slated for Saturday, Oct. 21 - Keeneland's Grade 2 Lexus Raven Run at seven furlongs, and Laurel's Grade 3 Safely Kept Breeders' Cup Stakes at six furlongs.   

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September 21, 2006                         

SYMPOSIUM FOCUSES ON PURSES 

By MIKE FARRELL, Daily Racing Form

OCEANPORT, N.J. - The need for unity and concern for the future were the major themes at the first New Jersey Horse Industry Symposium, held Wednesday at Monmouth Park.

The symposium was the initial event for the New Jersey Horse Industry Alliance, a newly formed coalition that represents all aspects of the state's equine interests. The symposium started with Monmouth barn tours at 8 a.m. and concluded with comments from General Assembly Speaker Joe Roberts.

The panel on the legislative process attracted keen interest from the estimated 250 attendees. There were a dozen legislators in the room, and eight addressed the crowd. Some, like assemblywoman Jennifer Beck, said they were strongly in favor of video lottery terminals at the Meadowlands Racetrack. All pledged support for the racing industry and the need for long-range funding to support purses.

The current four-year supplement agreement with the Atlantic City casinos has pushed purses to record levels. Monmouth Park paid overnight purses of $330,000 a day during the core portion of the meet, from Memorial Day to Labor Day. That figure goes to $335,000 in 2007, the final year of the deal.

Tracks in New Jersey face increased pressure for 2008 and beyond to have purses that are competitive with video lottery terminal- and slots-assisted tracks in New York, Pennsylvania, and Delaware.

Roberts carries considerable weight in the debate over racing's future in New Jersey. He told the attendees not to bank exclusively on video lottery terminals in the face of strongly expressed opposition from the Atlantic City casinos.

"Just as we have a lot of people working in the horse racing industry, we have a lot people working in the casino gaming industry, as well as billions and billions of dollars of economic investment," Roberts said. "We have to be mindful of that, as well."

Roberts was unequivocal in supporting the racing industry.

"One thing I think there is universal commitment to is the following: making sure that the money is there so that purses are adequate in the state of New Jersey," Roberts said.

Roberts suggested video lottery terminals were only one possible solution. He held out the possibility of a new purse supplement from the casinos or the creation of "some other vehicle to raise money in Atlantic City and dedicate it to horse racing."

Roberts said the concern about racing's future extends all the way up the executive ladder to Gov. Jon Corzine.

"He knows we have to find a way to ensure our racing is competitive," Roberts said. "He's willing to help."

A major goal of the New Jersey Horse Industry Alliance is to speak to the governor and legislators with a unified voice. The founding members were the New Jersey Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association, the Thoroughbred Breeders' Association of New Jersey, the Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association of New Jersey, and the Rutgers University Equine Science Center.

"We've learned that we can't do anything unless we speak with one voice," said Dennis Drazin, president of the alliance. "We need to be on the same page when we go for legislation. It may not be perfect for everything your group is trying to achieve, but it should be the perfect blend for the industry."         

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September 20, 2006
SIX STAKES, FAN APPRECIATION DAY HIGHLIGHT CLOSING WEEK
Monmouth Park.com

Six stakes races and Fan Appreciation Day on closing day highlight the final five programs of Monmouth Park's summer meeting.

The 2006 stand, scheduled for 91 days but reduced by two (one to the state budget shutdown and one to excessive heat), comes to a close on Sunday, Sept. 24. The program has been designated Fan Appreciation Day, with free grandstand admission and half-price clubhouse admission.

Sunday afternoon also features Family Fun Day activities, including pony rides, face painters and clowns, and live music "On the Green."

Topping the card on Sunday will be two closing day stakes races, the $60,000 Mongo Queen for 3-year-old fillies on the main track, and the $55,000 Restoration for 3-year-olds on the turf.

Closing week stakes action started Wednesday with the $65,000 Majestic Prince, and continues on Saturday with three events, including the $60,000 Omnibus Stakes for fillies and mares on the turf.

Topping the card on Saturday will be two events for 2-year-olds, each with a purse of $200,000. The races are the fifth running of the NATC Futurity, with one division for colts and geldings and one division for fillies.

The six-furlong races are restricted to 2-year-olds who were sales catalogued during 2006 and whose connections kept up the series of eligibility payments.

The National Association of Two-Year-Old Consignors (NATC) sponsors the event. The fields are limited to 14 starters, with preference given to highest earnings this season. The purse is paid down to 10th place in each division, with 60 percent to the winner, 18 percent to second, 9 percent to third, 5 percent to fourth, and 1 percent for sixth through 10th.

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September 20, 2006
MEADOWLANDS MEETING OPENS FRIDAY NIGHT, SEPT. 29
Monmouth Park.com

The Meadowlands will finish out the 2006 New Jersey Thoroughbred season with a 33-day meeting that opens Friday, Sept. 29, and runs through Saturday, Nov. 11.

The meet includes three makeup days -Oct. 31, and Nov. 5 and 7 - that were lost at the Monmouth meeting.

The Big M races five programs a week, with daytime racing and a 1:10 p.m. first post on Tuesdays, and night racing, and a 7:30 p.m. first post Wednesdays through Saturdays.

Highlighting the opening night card is the $150,000 Cliff Hanger Stakes (G3) for 3-year-olds and up at a mile and a sixteenth on the turf.

Richest prize at the autumn stand is the $500,000 Meadowlands Breeders' Cup Stakes (G2) on Friday, Oct. 13, which is expected to showcase top New Jersey-bred Park Avenue Ball.

The other graded stakes on tap through the meet are the $250,000 Pegasus for 3-year-olds on Friday, Oct. 6, and the $150,000 Violet (G3) for fillies and mares on Saturday, Oct. 14.

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September 20, 2006
WHO'S THE COWBOY LIKELY FOR BELMONT'S VOSBURGH STAKES
Monmouth Park.com

Gerry Sleeters' Who's the Cowboy, who showed off his current fantastic form by making last Saturday's Friendly Lover Handicap his fourth straight Monmouth score, is likely to take his show on the road for the $400,000 Vosburgh (G1) at Belmont on Oct. 7.

"We won't make a final decision until the middle of next week," trainer Kevin Sleeter said, "but right now it looks like a go. We just want to see how he's doing as it gets closer to the race."

The 4-year-old homebred by Intensity - Image's Image, by Better Arbitor, has won four straight stakes at the Monmouth meeting. He saved his best for his most recent effort, when he met state-breds in the Friendly Lover. With regular rider Eddie King Jr. in the irons, Who's the Cowboy raced six furlongs in 1:08 2/5 -- his fastest time ever in 11 career victories.

"He came out of it just great," Kevin Sleeter said. "He's been back to the track two days now, and he's just a handful. We have to pony him off the track because he wants to charge down that little slope at the gap. The exercise rider weighs about 185 pounds, and even he has a tough time controlling the Cowboy."

Who's the Cowboy has made just one lifetime start outside New Jersey. Last November, he got off poorly in the Grade 1 DeFrancis Memorial Dash at Laurel and finished seventh. That race, scheduled for Nov. 25 this year, is again a major goal for the gelding.

Who's the Cowboy carried topweight of 127 pounds in the Friendly Lover, but Gerry Sleeter said the horse will tote only 124 in the Vosburgh, which is run under allowance conditions and this year will be run at six furlong

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September 16, 2006
FIRST N.J. HORSE INDUSTRY SYMPOSIUM SET AT MONMOUTH SEPT. 20
Monmouth Park.com

The first New Jersey Horse Industry Symposium will be held at Monmouth Park on Wednesday, Sept. 20, bringing together representatives of the New Jersey Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association, the Thoroughbred Breeders' Association of New Jersey, Rutgers University's Equine Science Center, the Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association, and the pleasure horse community.

The invitation-only event will feature presentations from Joseph Roberts, Speaker of the New Jersey General Assembly; the state Secretary of Agriculture, the Secretary of Commerce, and a representative from Breeders' Cup International. Other speakers include the chair of the Senate Wagering, Tourism, and Historic Preservation Committee, and the chair of the General Assembly Tourism and Wagering Committee.
 
The goal of the event is to expose attendees to the breadth, scope, diversity and importance of the equine industry to New Jersey.

Those wishing to secure an invitation or get more information on the event are asked to contact NJTHA/TBANJ lobbyist Barbara DeMarco at 609-306-7555.

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September 15, 2006
4 STAKES, BLANKET GIVEAWAY AT N.J. FESTIVAL SATURDAY
Monmouth Park.com

The fourth annual New Jersey Thoroughbred Festival, presented by Malouf Auto Group, will celebrate state-bred Thoroughbreds at Monmouth Park Saturday, with four stakes races topping the card. A total of 97 New Jersey-breds were entered for the 10-race program.

All paid admissions will receive a free Fall blanket while supplies last, and Family Fun Day activities will be part of the celebration.

The $100,000 Eleven North Handicap at six furlongs drew nine fillies and mares, and the $100,000 Jersey Girl Handicap at a mile and a sixteenth has a field of six.

The $100,000 Friendly Lover Handicap at six furlongs has a field of 10, and nine will contest the $125,000 Jersey Breeders Handicap at a mile and a sixteenth.

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September 14, 2006
CHUCK LOPEZ SIDELINED THREE WEEKS WITH BROKEN FINGER
Monmouth Park.com

Jockey Chuck C. Lopez, who was unseated when his mount fell in the fourth race here Sunday, suffered a fractured finger on his left hand and will be sidelined about three weeks.

Lopez's mount, Sea Preacher, broke down going into the final turn of Sunday's fourth race, unseating the rider. The 6-year-old horse was euthanized after fracturing a leg.

Lopez, who currently ranks third on the list of leading Monmouth riders with 85 wins, will return to riding at the Meadowlands in October.

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September 13, 2006
4TH ANNUAL NEW JERSEY THOROUGHBRED FESTIVAL SET SATURDAY
Monmouth Park.com

The fourth annual New Jersey Thoroughbred Festival, presented by Malouf Auto Group, will celebrate state-bred Thoroughbreds at Monmouth Park Saturday, with four stakes races topping a 10-race card.

All paid admissions will receive a free Fall blanket while supplies last, and Family Fun Day activities will be part of the celebration.

The best New Jersey-breds will compete in the four stakes events. For fillies and mares, Monmouth offers the $100,000 Eleven North Handicap at six furlongs and the $100,000 Jersey Girl Handicap at a mile and a sixteenth. For males, the races on tap are the $100,000 Friendly Lover Handicap at six furlongs, and the $100,000 Jersey Breeders Handicap at a mile and a sixteenth.

Also on tap are two maiden races for 2-year-olds, three allowance races, and a claiming race.

The New Jersey Thoroughbred Festival started in 2003 to showcase horses born in New Jersey.

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September 13, 2006
TARRANT BUYS AN 'ALL-MONMOUTH' COLT AT KEENELAND SALES
Monmouth Park.com

Owner-trainer Amy Tarrant, whose horses are stabled at Monmouth, has been busy at the current Keeneland yearling sales, buying a colt and a filly during the select sessions Monday and Tuesday.

On Tuesday, Tarrant bought a well-bred filly by Kingmambo - Chaposa Springs, by Baldski, for $250,000. But it was her Monday purchase that had her talking enthusiastically about the future.

She made the winning bid of $310,000 for a dark bay colt by Tale of the Cat - Marq of Beauty, by Marquetry, and next year her Hardacre Farm colors will be carried at Monmouth by an "all-Monmouth" colt.

"He's a racy little thing," she said. "Very athletic-looking. I'm really excited about him."
 
The colt's sire, Tale of the Cat, broke his maiden at Monmouth, won two allowance races here, and finished fourth in the 1997 Haskell Invitational. The dam, Marq of Beauty, won the 2001 Captive Miss Stakes at Monmouth, and was second in the Grade 3 Reeve Schley Jr. Stakes here that year.

Tarrant's sales purchases will be sent to her farm in Ocala, where they will be broken in November and spend the winter.

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September 10, 2006
INDIA CAPTURES WITHOUT FEATHERS STAKES; TERRIFIC CHALLENGE WINS THIRD STAKES IN A ROW
Monmouth Park.com

OCEANPORT, N.J. - Joe Bravo, on pace for his 12th riding title, celebrated his 35th birthday in style Sunday at Monmouth Park, taking home the Without Feathers Stakes and My Frenchman Stakes aboard India and Terrific Challenge.

In the Without Feathers, Bravo guided India to a convincing win in her first race past seven furlongs. India, a 3-year-old filly trained by Todd Pletcher and owned by Lyon Stables, earned her first stakes win and third career win. She covered the mile and seventy yards distance in a quick 1:40 flat over a fast main track.

India broke first out of the gate, but Bravo was content to allow Jose Lezcano and Witch Woman to set the early fractions, as he guided India to her outside down the backstretch. India moved easily past Witch Woman moving into the final turn, and she coasted home a 5 1/2-length winner over Peak Maria's Way, who rallied for second. Witch Woman finished 4 3/4 lengths behind Peak Maria's Way in third.

India, a daughter of Hennessy out of the Miswaki mare Misty Hour, paid $6.60, $3.80, and $2.60 across the board as the second choice in the five-horse field. She topped a $24 exacta with Peak Maria's Way.

"This was her first time stretching out but she handled it very easily," Bravo said. "I was happy to sit off the pace. She relaxed really well and did it within herself today."

India has been highly regarded throughout her career, as she was sent off the favorite in the Grade 1 Matron as a juvenile. Earlier this year she was the beaten favorite in the Grade 2 Beaumont at Keeneland. Following the Without Feathers victory, she increased her earnings to $152,859.

In the $60,000 My Frenchman Stakes at about five and a half furlongs on the turf, Terrific Challenge captured his third consecutive stakes of the meet, an outstanding accomplishment for the 4-year-old trained and owned by Stan Hough.

Terrific Challenge stopped the timer in a rapid 1:01 over a firm course, and paid $3.40, $2.40, and $2.10 as the 3-5 favorite. Terrific Challenge, with Joe Bravo aboard, collared pacesetter Yankee Wildcat at the sixteenth pole and exploded past him to win by three lengths. Yankee Wildcat held for second and completed a $19 exacta, with Silver Moose a length behind for show in the five-horse field.

Terrific Challenge stamped his claim as the premier turf sprinter this meet, following wins in the John McSorley and Sneakbox Stakes. The son of Royal Academy, out of the Crafty Prospector mare Clever Empress, increased his earnings to $305,463 with his seventh win in 17 starts.

"To go five and a half furlongs in 1:01 is just amazing," said Bravo, who has been aboard in Terrific Challenge's three Monmouth stakes wins. "He does it with ease too. He was a little closer than he usually is, but he was so sharp today. He's such a nice horse; it makes my job a lot easier."

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September 8, 2006
BRUCE LEVINE NAMED CASK 591 TRAINER OF THE WEEK
Monmouth Park.com

Bruce Levine, who saddled five winners from nine starters over the Labor Day holiday period, has been named the Cask 591 Trainer of the Week.

The award, bestowed by media covering Monmouth Park racing, is sponsored by Cask 591, a popular new restaurant and lounge located at 591 Broadway in Long Branch. Levine will receive a gift certificate from the restaurant.

The five winners during the week of Aug. 30-Sept. 4 brought Levine's totals to 27-17-9 from 76 starters, a winning percentage of .355.
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September 8, 2006
CHAZMULE RALLIES TO WIN AMATEUR TURF EVENT AT MONMOUTH
Monmouth Park.com

OCEANPORT, N.J. - C D and G Stable's Chazmule came rolling through the stretch to score by more than two lengths in the Amateur Riders Club of America race at Monmouth Park on Friday.

The winner, trained by Steve Klesaris, was ridden by George Wood, an accomplished point-to-point and hunt meeting jockey. Chazmule carried 138 pounds to victory in 1:44 4/5 for the mile and a sixteenth over the "good" turf course. As co-second choice in the field of nine, Chazmule paid $8.40, $4.20 and $3.40 across the board.

My Attitude, part of a Tim Hills-trained entry that started as co-second choice with the winner, had a good late run that carried him into second place, two and a quarter lengths in front of Riverboat Gambler, who had come into the stretch with a clear lead.

My Atitude, ridden by Sydney Trottman, a Monmouth Park exercise rider, completed the $38.40 exacta. Gregory Cohn, a former ARCA champion rider, was aboard Riverboat Gambler.

Princess Langfuhr, the 9-5 favorite with trainer Sharon Huston aboard, did not handle the course well and finished out of the money.

Chazmule, a 3-year-old colt by Storm Creek, broke his maiden in his fifth try. This was his first start at Monmouth.

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September 7, 2006
amateur RIDERS RETURN FRIDAY FOR THEIR DAY IN THE SUN
Monmouth Park.com

The Amateur Riders Club of America, a group founded by Daily Racing Form artist Pierre Bellocq (PEB) more than 25 years ago, returns to Monmouth Friday for its annual event. A field of 10 amateur jockeys - including trainers, assistant trainers and exercise riders - will contest the third race, a maiden claiming event at a mile and a sixteenth on the turf.

Former steeplechase jockey Don Yovanovich, who now serves as executive director of ARCA, said the field of riders for Monmouth's 2006 event is as representative as ever. Both men and women will ride in Friday's race.

The field includes trainers Sharon Huston, who rides morning line favorite Princess Langfuhr, and Doug Nunn, who rides M J Hamer, a horse he trains.

Also riding Friday are former professional jockeys Tim Brumfield and Jody Ray Gordon, and George Wood, who has racked up 25 wins in point-to-point events and hunt races.

Amy Hebert has six amateur victories, including a score in Russia, and Gregory Cohn is a former ARCA champion.

Other riders are Gus Duarte, an assistant to trainer John Forbes at Monmouth; Lacey Gaudet, an assistant to Maryland trainer Ed Gaudet; and Sydney Trottman, a Monmouth Park exercise rider who is new to ARCA competition.

ARCA is a member of FEGENTRI, the international federation of amateur riders that supervises amateur events in 20 countries.

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September 6, 2006
INDY WIND MAKES TURF DEBUT IN SATURDAY'S GRADE 3 RED BANK
Monmouth Park.com

The bad weather that postponed last Saturday's $150,000 Red Bank Stakes (G3) may have turned out to be a blessing in disguise for Hardacre Farm's Indy Wind. The 4-year-old was on medication for a sinus infection last week, but the delay gave him a chance to fully recuperate, and he'll be ready for action when the race is run at a mile on the turf this Saturday.

"He had a lot of mucous and was coughing," trainer Amy Tarrant said. "We thought it was his lungs, but it turned out to be a sinus infection. He was on medication and had no chance to run last week. But he's off the medication now, and his wonderful breeze on Monday showed me he's healthy and fit."

For the record, Indy Wind drilled a hole in the wind Monday morning when he was timed in :46 4/5 - best of 42 works at the distance - for a handy half-mile.

"He came out of it just great," Tarrant said, "and now it's time for him to step up."

A son of A.P. Indy - Zagora, by Kingmambo, Indy Wind is solidly bred for the grass. He'll have to be, because Saturday will be the first time he's ever seen the green.

"He's never run on grass, or even worked on it," Tarrant said, "but he's bred to like it. And the mile distance is perfect for him."

This will be just the sixth lifetime start for Indy Wind, who burst on the Monmouth scene last year when he won twice by open lengths. Minor injuries cut short his 3-year-old season, and this year he's made just three starts here. He was third in his comeback on May 20, and then scored a handy win on June 17. Last out, he made his stakes debut in the Skip Away, and finished a solid second to multiple graded stakes winner Park Avenue Ball.

"It might seem a graded stakes is shooting high," Tarrant said, "but he's got to get going. He's always had a lot of potential and now it's time for him to show everyone what he's got.

"I'm treating him like he was still a 3-year-old," the trainer said. "He's so lightly raced that in terms of experience he isn't an older horse."

The Red Bank, final graded event of Monmouth's 2006 season, won't be an easy assignment for a first-time grasser. Indy Wind will meet two accomplished turf runners in Miesque's Approval and Hotstufanthensome, both of whom have graded wins to their credit.

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September 6, 2006
'COWBOY' READY FOR ANOTHER SHOWDOWN; JOEY P. OUT FOR YEAR
Monmouth Park.com

Who's the Cowboy, a good sprinter last season at 3, has turned into the best sprinter at Monmouth this year. He took over the crown from Joey P. in his last two starts, and will go on from here. Joey P., meanwhile, faces throat surgery and will be out the rest of the season.

"Cowboy," a 4-year-old gelding by Intensity, made last Sunday's Icecapade his third straight stakes score of the meet, and there's a chance he'll go for four in a row in the $100,000 Friendly Lover Handicap, one of the highlights on New Jersey Thoroughbred Festival Day on Sept. 16.

Who's the Cowboy, owned by Gerry Sleeter and trained by son Kevin Sleeter, will have to carry highweight in the six-furlong Friendly Lover. The question is how much.

"He came out of the race great," Gerry Sleeter said, "and he'll run back in two weeks unless they put too much weight on him. I don't want to run him if he has to carry the grandstand."

Who's the Cowboy, out of the Better Arbitor mare Image's Image, and thus a half-brother to multiple stakes winner Eleven North, has turned in two huge efforts recently. On Aug. 6, he ran down Kazoo to win the Teddy Drone Stakes in 1:08 4/5, and last weekend, he mounted a five-wide rally to run down the favored Weigelia, stopping the clock in 1:09 flat.

As a 2- and 3-year-old, Who's the Cowboy was all speed, all the time. Now he's settled into the role of closing sprinter, and he's very good at it.

"He's bigger and stronger now," trainer Kevin Sleeter said. "He'll rate behind horses and make a big run. We used to have the rider send him all the time. But once last year, he got left at the break, and then came running at the end. That's when we knew that as his best style."

The ultimate goal for the "Cowboy" this year is the Grade 1 DeFrancis Memorial Dash at Laurel in November. Last year, Who's the Cowboy got buried on the rail in a field of 14 and finished seventh.

"I know he's good enough to win that race," the trainer said. "We just have to get him there."

John Petrini's Joey P., who had never been beaten in a Monmouth sprint before running fourth in the Teddy Drone, looked listless in running last of seven in the Icecapade.

"You can't run when you can't get air," trainer Ben Perkins Jr. said. "He has a breathing problem that was getting worse. He'll have surgery to fix it, and he won't be back before the end of the year."    

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September 5, 2006     

JERSEY BOY BREEN A STAR ON THE RISE     

By MIKE FARRELL, Daily Racing Form

OCEANPORT, N.J. - The seemingly sudden success of Kelly John Breen is actually the product of 20 years of hard work and dedication.

Breen, only 37, is about to wrap up a second straight trainer title at Monmouth Park, and his 2-year-olds were prominent in Saratoga's juvenile stakes.

Some have called him an "overnight sensation," but "rising star" is a much better description.

"He's put in the time," said Joe Bravo, 11 times the leading jockey at Monmouth Park and Breen's primary rider. "People say he's come on overnight because he's had a lot of success the last two years, but he's always been around here."

It's too early to tell if Breen will become a major player on the national stage, but his career trajectory for the last two years could carry him far.

"The sky is the limit," Bravo said. "He's got some great people behind him. Those kinds of opportunity don't come around too often, and he has the know-how to get the horses there."

Not bad for a kid from New Jersey who, through pluck and determination, forced his way into the sport.

Breen fell in love with racing before reaching his teens and honed his craft from the ground up while still in high school.

At a point when most teenagers are clueless about their futures, Breen knew what he wanted to do.

Jackie Breen, Kelly's father, is a horseplayer dating back to the days of the defunct Jamaica Racetrack not far from the current Aqueduct site.

When the family moved to Old Bridge, N.J., Monmouth became the track of choice.

"I'd come home from working construction in New York and there'd be a note on the table from my wife saying 'Me and Kelly are at Monmouth,' " Jackie Breen said.

The youngster was quickly hooked.

"We were missing him one afternoon at the track and we couldn't find him," Jackie Breen said. "There he was, over by the jockeys' room talking to the riders. He must have been 13."

Breen first aspired to be a jockey. Jackie took him to a local farm where he learned to gallop horses. That led to a connection to trainer Walter Reese and the late rider Chris Antley, Breen's idol.

"I tried to learn by following Antley around," Breen said. "I was the little pest kid. Antley rode first call for Walter, but he didn't come by to work a horse but once a weekend. That freed me to work a lot of horses. That gave me a ton of experience."

A growth spurt at 16 put inches and pounds on Breen's frame and ended his dream of becoming a rider - but not his desire to win.

Breen took whatever jobs he could get, including pony rider on the escorts that accompany the horses to the starting gate. During the school year, Breen got up at 4 a.m. and drove to Philadelphia Park or Garden State Park to gallop horses for Reese before hustling back to high school.

"When a kid gets up at 4 o'clock in the morning and he's happy and whistling, you don't stop him from what he wants to do," Jackie Breen said.

Breen eventually found a job closer to home as exercise rider for John Forbes, five-time leading trainer at Monmouth.

"A lot of exercise riders, 'Big' John Tammaro used to say, are the only ones on the racetrack that think they've done a full day's work at 10 o'clock in the morning," Forbes said. "Kelly was an exercise rider who didn't stop there. His interest and his willingness to work went through the day. He became part of the whole operation. That was never anything we had to tell him to do."

There was a brief detour after high school graduation. Jackie got Kelly into the steamfitter's union, and they worked together on major construction jobs.

The overtime was flowing and paychecks were plump. As they drove home over the Verrazano Bridge one evening, Jackie offered some fatherly advice.

" 'Kelly,' I said, 'I've got something to tell you. It isn't always like this. We're not always going to make this much money.'"

Breen had news of his own.

"He said, 'I got something to tell you, pop. This is my last day. I'm going to back to the racetrack.' "

He has been there ever since.

Breen rejoined the Forbes crew before making the jump to what became his finishing school: assistant trainer to Ben Perkins Sr. with the powerful New Farm Stable.

"Ben stressed to me that we have quality and I'll teach you how to deal with that," Breen said. "He didn't have to say a lot. I followed him around the sales. I saw what he liked to buy. It was a big education."

When Perkins retired in 1999, the New Farm horses went to his son Ben Jr. Breen had job offers, but interpreted the changing of the guard as a sign to strike out on his own.

"I started with two horses, hustling and bustling," Breen said. "We had some really nice horses when Ben retired. I used to gallop Delaware Township every day. I walked away from that to start out with a couple of claimers. It was tough. My wife was four months pregnant. I had bills to pay. All of this was going on, and not a lot of people were looking for a new trainer at the time."

Longtime friend Ricky Gallo helped out with a couple of horses. Claim by claim, Breen built up his stable. He took major leaps forward the last two years.

He won 11 races and $351,532 in purse money at Monmouth in 2004. He zoomed to the trainer title last year with 38 wins and $914,540 in earnings.

This year, Breen has already equaled last season's win total, and his horses have banked more than $1.3 million at the meet.

The most dramatic development has been Breen's success in developing young horses. Praying for Cash was second for him in this year's $1 million Haskell Invitational at Monmouth and won the Grade 3 Long Branch Stakes.

Breen also had a pair of seconds in 2-year-old stakes at Saratoga: Desire to Excel - now sidelined by an injury for the rest of the year - in the Grade 3 Schuylerville, and True Addiction in the Grade 2 Adirondack.

As Breen started winning, owners took notice.

Dennis Narlinger and Lori and George Hall are now supplying him with a steady stream of 2-year-olds, and Breen is delivering results.

To continue rising, Breen recognizes the need to run more horses outside New Jersey. From Monmouth, Breen feels he is well positioned to compete in New York stakes when the right horses come along.

"There are three places that are the top in racing: Kentucky, New York, and California," Breen said. "In order to keep owners and breeders happy, you have to win races at one of those circuits. Right now, we're stabling at Monmouth Park and we're ducking the heavy heads and still winning races. We run in New York and do well. We're backing up our talk right now. We have some nice horses.

"I think we're proving that we can be a strong stable in New Jersey. You have to find the right horse to go to New York. You pick and choose your fights."

Success with the babies marks a transition in the barn as Breen starts pulling away from his onetime bread-and-butter.

"I'm looking to move forward and get away from the cheaper claimers," Breen said. "I think I've established myself. I'm no longer Ben Perkins Sr.'s assistant. I'm now Kelly Breen, and I've made my own name for myself."           

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September 4, 2006
BRAVO WINS SIX MONDAY, EQUALS MARK FOR MOST WINS IN A DAY
Monmouth Park.com

Oceanport, N.J. - Jockey Joe Bravo won six races on Monday's card at Monmouth Park, equaling his own mark and matching that set by Julie Krone, Chris Antley and Walter Blum.

Bravo's six-bagger started in race one with Sunnywin ($6.80), continued in the fourth aboard Smartgabrielle ($7.20), the fifth atop Bold Mon ($7.20), the tenth on Xchanger ($11.60), the 12th aboard Reata's Rocket ($5) and concluded with the 13th and last race on Jackie Lad ($6).

The first rider in track history to ride six winners on a single card was Walter Blum on June 9, 1961.  The mark went unequaled for more than 20 years until Chris Antley did it on July 30, 1984 and Julie Krone on Aug. 19, 1987.  Bravo's six on Monday was the fourth time for the 34-year-old native of Monmouth County.  He had previously won six races on Aug. 31, 1994, May 18, 2002 and Sept. 18, 2005. 

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September 3, 2006
JOHN FORBES RECEIVES 2006 BUDDY RAINES AWARD
Monmouth Park.com

Oceanport, N.J. - John Forbes, a trainer at Monmouth Park for more than three decades, has been named the 2006 recipient of the Virgil (Buddy) Raines Distinguished Achievement Award.

Mr. Forbes will be honored in winner's circle ceremonies on Monday, Sept. 4.

The Raines Award, instituted at Monmouth in 1996, honors men and women who have demonstrated a continuing commitment to the sport of Thoroughbred racing as an owner or trainer, and whose conduct has been exemplary for professionalism, integrity and service to the sport.

Mr. Forbes is the 11th recipient of the Raines Award, following J. Willard Thompson (1996); Danny Perlsweig (1997); Warren A. "Jimmy" Croll (1998); Joe Pierce Jr. (1999), Peter Shannon (2000), Dennis Drazin (2001), Sam Fieramosca (2002), Charles and Marianne Hesse (2003), Janet Laszlo (2004) and Richard Malouf (2005).

"John Forbes is what this award is all about," said Robert Kulina, vice president and general manager of Monmouth Park.  "John's loyalty and unending advocacy for the horsemen and racing in the state of New Jersey is nearly unequaled.  His personal commitment to Monmouth Park and its successes is something that not only am I grateful for, but so to are his colleagues and the entire Monmouth Park family."

Forbes hails from a racing family - both his parent were trainers.  At the age of 24 Forbes went to work for John Tammaro Sr. in Maryland.  Three years later he captured his first race with Town House, a 5-year-old maiden, at Lincoln Downs.

In the mid-1970s Forbes moved to New Jersey and was a quick success in the Garden State.  He captured training titles at Monmouth in 1979, 1981 and 1989 - 1991.  His five Monmouth titles tie him for the most held by a trainer.

In addition to his successes at Monmouth, Forbes is the all-time winningest trainer in Meadowlands history and won a record seven titles there:  1978, 1979, 1982, 1984, 1989, 1990 and 1993.

His biggest success came in 1995 when he was instrumental in forming a limited partnership that raised nearly $2 million to purchase yearlings and carry them through 1998.  Among those purchased was graded stakes winner and Haskell starter Tale of the Cat, who later sold for $11.7 million.

Born in Baltimore, Md., Forbes lives in Holmdel with his wife, Vicki.  They have three children.

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September 3, 2006
NEW JERSEY-BRED OUR FANTENE WINS SORORITY STAKES
BLUE SPARKLER GOES TO MY LUCKY FREE
Monmouth Park.com

Oceanport, N.J. - Gunsmith Stables' Our Fantene gained command around the far turn and held off an inside bid by odds-on favorite Eternal Grace to win the $100,000 Sorority Stakes at Monmouth Park on Sunday by a head.

Ridden by Eddie Castro, Our Fantene covered the six furlongs over a fast main track in 1:10 2/5 and returned $25.60, $6 and $3.20.  Eternal Grace paid $2.60 and $2.40 and completed a $66.80 exacta.  Lia's Luck was another 4 3/4 lengths back in third, good for a $3.40 show mutuel.  Bovell Road was fourth with Blue Carnation the last of the five 2-year-old fillies in the 54th running of the Sorority.

"We've always been very high on her and she did everything right today," said winning trainer Cal Lynch.  "We won the 2001 Futurity at the Meadowlands with this filly's dam (Our Cozzette).  I'm not sure where we'll go with her just yet.  We'll see how she comes out of this one first and then decide."

A daughter of 1997 Haskell winner Touch Gold, Our Fantene is from the Cozzene mare Our Cozzette and was bred in New Jersey.  Her Sorority win marked her second trip to the winner's circle in as many tries and she has now banked $87,000 for her connections.

In the $100,000 Blue Sparkler Stakes My Lucky Free took command easily turning for home before drawing off to a three length score after stepping the six furlongs in 1:09 flat.

Trained by Cam Gambolati and ridden by Joe Bravo, My Lucky Free returned $3, $2.10 and $2.10 and topped a $9.40 exacta.  Summer Sting rallied for second and paid $2.60 and $2.40.  Gipsy Limits was another 3 1/4 lengths back in third and paid $3.80.

A 3-year-old filly by Mazel Trick from the Crafty Prospector mare Fair Margarita, My Lucky Free improved her record to 5-1-0 from nine starts and increased her earnings to $218,883 for owners Runnin Cardinal and C.E. Glasscock.

Live racing continues at Monmouth Park on Monday, Sept. 4, for a special Labor Day 13-race card - first post 12:50 p.m.

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September 3, 2006
EIGHT PLAYERS BATTLE TO FINAL DAY IN SURVIVAL AT THE SHORE
Monmouth Park.com

Oceanport, N.J. - Monmouth Park's popular Survival at the Shore game concludes on Monday, Sept. 4, but the winner is anything but a foregone conclusion, as eight competitors remain going into the final day's card.

Leading the way is Seth Altshuler, a 28-year-old resident of Matawan, N.J., who has amassed a bankroll of $1,206.30 through Saturday, Sept. 2.

The Survival at the Shore competition began Memorial Day weekend and requires it players to select a horse in three pre-determined races and that runner must finish first, second or third. 

The competition began with 2,559 players from around the world.  The winner is to receive a $1,000 cash prize and a berth in the 2007 NTRA/DRF National Handicapping Championship at Bally's Las Vegas.

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September 2, 2006
RIVERFEST MUSIC FESTIVAL CANCELLED AT MONMOUTH
Monmouth Park.com

The Riverfest music festival, scheduled to be held at Monmouth Park on Sept. 7-10, has been canceled, organizers announced. No alternate date has been scheduled.

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September 2, 2006

RAIN, WIND BRING STOP TO RACES

By MIKE FARRELL, Daily Racing Form

Harsh weather brought in part by Tropical Storm Ernesto caused the cancellation of racing at Monmouth Park, Fort Erie, and Philadelphia Park on Saturday.

The horses were in the Monmouth paddock for the first race when the decision was made to cancel the first two races and wait for possible clearing later on. That plan fell through as rain and high wind continued to lash the track.

Monmouth's two Saturday stakes, the Grade 3, $150,000 Red Bank on the turf and the $100,000 City Zip for 3-year-old sprinters, were rescheduled for Sept. 9. To partially offset the cancellation, Monmouth planned to run 13 races on Labor Day, three more than usual. Post time Monday will remain 12:50 p.m.

Poor track conditions caused by extensive rain prompted Philadelphia Park to call off its scheduled card.

Fort Erie canceled the last two races on its eight-race Saturday card because of heavy rainfall and very sloppy track conditions.

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September 2, 2006
HIGH WINDS FORCE CANCELLATION AT MONMOUTH SATURDAY
Monmouth Park.com

Oceanport, N.J. - Monmouth Park Racetrack has cancelled its live Thoroughbred racing card for Saturday, Sept. 2 due to high winds and heavy rains that are the remnants of Tropical Storm Ernesto.

"We were hopeful that we'd be able to race the live card today," said Robert Kulina, vice president of racing and general manager at Monmouth Park.  "The preliminary forecasts were for the whole thing to blow over around 11:00 this morning.  Unfortunately the weather - and more specifically the wind - didn't subside early enough to facilitate live racing and for the safety of the horses and riders it was best to call it off."

Live racing will resume at Monmouth Park on Sunday, Sept. 3 - first post 12:50 p.m.  The 2006 season runs through Sunday, Sept. 24.

All patrons at Monmouth on Saturday received rain check passes for a future live racing date.

Monmouth Park and the Meadowlands will remain open day and night for simulcasting on Saturday.

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September 2, 2006
RED BANK, CITY ZIP MAY BE RESCHEDULED NEXT WEEKEND
Monmouth Park.com

The two stakes races scheduled to be run on Saturday, Sept. 2, when Monmouth's live racing card was canceled due to weather, will be carded either Saturday, Sept. 9, or Sunday, Sept. 10.

The two stakes were the $150,000 Red Bank (G3), final graded turf stakes of the season, and the $100,000 City Zip for 3-year-olds.

Monmouth has scheduled a 13-race program for Monday, Labor Day, with the $150,000 Sapling Stakes (G3) and the $100,000 Icecapade Stakes topping the card. All the overnight races that were to be run on Saturday will be used as extras during the week, if not rescheduled for Monday.

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August 31, 2006
JUAN SEREY NAMED CASK 591 TRAINER OF THE WEEK
Monmouth Park.com

Juan Serey, who saddled three winners on the card last Friday, has been named the Cask 591 Trainer of the Week.

The award, bestowed by media covering Monmouth Park racing, is sponsored by Cask 591, a popular new restaurant and lounge located at 591 Broadway in Long Branch. Serey will receive a gift certificate from the restaurant.

Serey increased his win total for the meeting to 12 on Friday, Aug. 25, when he saddled Criminal Mind ($4.80) to win the third race; Haiaccept ($18.60) to win the fourth, and Dandy Belle ($12.20) to win the sixth. 

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August 26, 2006
PURSES HIKED TO $100,000 FOR THREE LABOR DAY WEEKEND STAKES
Monmouth Park.com

The purses for three overnight stakes races to be run over the Labor Day weekend have been increased to $100,000, Monmouth racing secretary Mike Dempsey announced Saturday morning.

The City Zip Stakes, for 3-year-olds at six furlongs on Saturday, Sept. 2, was originally worth $60,000; the Blue Sparkler Stakes for fillies and mares at six furlongs on Sunday, Sept. 3, was originally worth $60,000, and the Icecapade Stakes for 3-year-olds and up at six furlongs on Monday, Sept. 4, was originally worth $75,000.

The other stakes to be run over the holiday weekend are the $100,000 Sorority Stakes for 2-year-old fillies on Sunday, Sept. 3, and the $150,000 Sapling Stakes (G3) for 2-year-olds on Monday, Sept. 4.

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August 16, 2006
PARK AVENUE BALL: THE PLAN LED TO SATURDAY'S ISELIN
Monmouth Park.com

So far, the plan is working, and Char-Mari Stable's Park Avenue Ball will go off as one of the top starters in Saturday's $250,000 Philip H. Iselin Breeders' Cup Stakes (G3).

The 4-year-old son of Citidancer, bred by owners Charles and Marianne Hesse, will not only be among the betting favorites. He'll also be a sentimental favorite as a New Jersey-bred, and a Monmouth specialist.

Trainer Jim Ryerson came into this season with the idea of running Park Avenue Ball every four or five weeks, with the Iselin the main goal for the summer.

"Everything has gone according to plan so far," Ryerson said. "The Iselin was the goal from the beginning, if all the other things fell into place. They have, and we're here."

Park Avenue Ball, who broke his maiden and then won the Tyro Stakes here in his first two career starts, had a busy, hard-knocking campaign from his third race in August of 2004 until the final race of his 3-year-old season on Oct. 7, 2005. He ran in nine straight graded events, winning the Futurity (G2) at Belmont, and the Long Branch (G3) here, and was second in the Grade 2 Hutcheson and Grade 3 Withers and third in the Grade 1 Haskell Invitational.

After that long streak, Ryerson let the colt down for the winter, and he did not come back to the track until April 29 this year at Calder Race Course, where he tuned up by running third in a sprint stakes. That set him up for the Frisk Me Now Stakes here on May 27, where he beat Network by a half-length.

The first major goal for the summer was the Grade 3 Salvator Mile on June 24, and Park Avenue Ball might have won it, except for the fact that Grade 1 winner Flower Alley used the Salvator as his comeback race. Park Avenue Ball finished a game second, a head in front of Network.

Most recently, on July 23, Park Avenue Ball ran his Monmouth record to 5-2-1 in 8 starts with a five-length score over Indy Wind in the Skip Away Stakes.

And, now that it's a month later, here he is back in action.

"So far everything's good with him," the ever-cautious Ryerson said. "He's gotten to the Iselin, and he's doing well."

And after the Iselin?

"I don't know yet," the trainer said. "My plan only went this far."

Park Avenue Ball has earned $766,600 so far in his career with a record of 6-5-2 in 16 starts. In the Iselin, he'll be racing for the winner's share of $150,000, plus the 30 percent award for a New Jersey-bred in an open race.

Park Avenue Ball will likely face six rivals in the mile and an eighth Iselin, including the Ed Broome-trained Network, who's finished behind him twice. The other locally based runners expected to go are Sinners N Saints, from the Richard Dutrow stable; Tap Day, trained by Mark Hennig, and Zoffinger, from John Forbes' barn.

Expected shippers are the Todd Pletcher-trained Master Command, who is based at Saratoga, and Survivalist, also stabled at the Spa with Shug McGaughey's string.

Trainer Amy Tarrant said Indy Wind, who had been considered a possible starter, suffered a small setback and will not go in the Iselin.

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August 16, 2006
EMERALD EARRINGS RETIRED, HEADS FOR KEENELAND SALE
Monmouth Park.com

Daniel A. Herrmann's Emerald Earrings, who won two stakes at Monmouth earlier this summer, has been retired, trainer Bruce Alexander said Wednesday.

"Her next start will be in the Keeneland November breeding stock sale," the trainer said.

Alexander, who trained the 5-year-old mare by Helmsman - Legwork, By Alleged, throughout her career, said Emerald Earrings suffered from a respiratory problem in her last start, when she finished sixth in the Lady's Secret Stakes on Aug. 6.

"I was hoping to race her twice more this fall," Alexander said, "but she displaced in that last race, and I figured it was time to stop on her."

Emerald Earrings, a Kentucky-bred, had a 10-5-2 record in 23 career starts. Her 10 wins included the Ontario Colleen Handicap on the turf at Woodbine; the Honey Bee Stakes on dirt at the Meadowlands, the Florida Breeders' Distaff on the main track at the Ocala Training Center, and her two main track scores here this summer in the West Long Branch and Monmouth Beach Stakes.

She was also graded stakes-placed, finishing third in the Grade 2 Molly Pitcher Breeders' Cup Handicap and the Grade 3 Matchmaker on turf here last year.

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August 14, 2006                         

ZOFFINGER BACK FOR HIS THIRD ISELIN RUN

By MIKE FARRELL, Daily Racing Form

OCEANPORT, N.J. - Zoffinger will make a third straight appearance in the Grade 3, $250,000 Philip Iselin Breeders' Cup Stakes, Monmouth Park's top event for older main-track runners at 1 1/8 miles on Saturday.

The 6-year-old Zoffinger has hit the board in both his Iselin appearances.

The 2004 Iselin saw eventual Horse of the Year Ghostzapper romp to a 10 3/4-length win on a sloppy track. Zoffinger, in an all-out drive in the lane, nosed out Private Lap for third, 32 lengths behind Ghostzapper in the four-horse field

In last year's renewal, Zoffinger rallied from eighth to get second in a controversial stretch run. West Virginia, first under the wire, drifted into Zoffinger's path. The stewards ruled there was no basis for a disqualification. Zoffinger's owner, Dennis Drazin, appealed to the New Jersey Racing Commission, which voted last month to uphold the stewards' decision. Drazin said he will file a legal challenge.

"If West Virginia doesn't come out into his path, he would be defending his victory in the Iselin," said trainer John Forbes.

For Zoffinger, this has not been a productive season. He has run six times with only two seconds. Zoffinger has lost 18 straight and his recent form has not been sharp.

"We're going to give him another chance at it," said Forbes. "He's just shy of being a really good horse. In both years, we trained him with the Iselin as the goal. It seems to be his distance. It's a nice prize."

Zoffinger, a deep closer, most recently ran poorly here in a turf allowance race.

"We'd love to see him like the grass a little bit, because there are more opportunities for his style, but he just doesn't like it." Forbes said. "He has come off the turf and run some good dirt races in the past. We're trying to get a good race out of him. Whether we can do it again this year remains to be seen."

Other likely Iselin horses, according to Monmouth's stakes coordinator, Mike Melendez, include Master Command, Park Avenue Ball, Sinners N Saints, and Tap Day. Possible entrants include Indy Wind and Survivalist.

Castro sore but due back

Jockey Eddie Castro should be back in action Wednesday following a scary spill on Saturday.

Castro took off his Sunday mounts.

"He's just sore, that's it," said agent Mike Gonzalez. "All the scans came back fine."

Castro was dumped from Stormin Gracie during the eighth race and was taken to Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch, N.J., for back X-rays.

The incident began when Megan Popz, with Eddie King aboard, fell midway on the final turn. Castro could not avoid the fallen horse. Stormin Gracie was uninjured in the incident, finishing the race without the jockey. Megan Popz was tended to on the track and vanned off. King was shaken up.

Trifecta a new low

The first race Sunday produced a Monmouth record-low trifecta payoff of $9.20 for the $2 bet.

Waltz Brightly, the 1-5 favorite, topped the ticket with Moonlight Aria (7-1) second and Holly Hedge (4-1) third.

The old Monmouth record was $15.80 set in the 2002 Haskell Invitational when War Emblem won at 3-10 followed by Magic Weisner and Like a Hero.

Loving Thoughts heads feature

Loving Thoughts looms a strong favorite Wednesday in the $43,000 second-level allowance on the turf for fillies and mares at 1 1/16 miles.

Loving Thoughts just missed last time out, losing by a neck in a trouble-filled trip in which she was boxed on the final turn.

Chris DeCarlo, who normally rides first call for trainer Todd Pletcher, will be back aboard Loving Thoughts for trainer Vickie Oliver.

Pletcher will be represented in the race by More for Me, who will be making her season debut. She was 2 for 7 last year, including a win in the St Georges Stakes at Delaware Park. Chuckie Lopez will ride.                        

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August 12, 2006
MARY HARTMANN NAMED CASK 591 TRAINER OF THE WEEK
Monmouth Park.com

Mary Hartmann, who saddled Presious Passion to upset the $100,000 Jersey Derby on Haskell Day, has been named the Cask 591 Trainer of the Week.
The award, bestowed by media covering Monmouth Park racing, is sponsored by Cask 591, a popular new restaurant and lounge located at 591 Broadway in Long Branch. Hartmann will receive a gift certificate from the restaurant.

Hartmann had her fifth winner of the meet with Presious Passion, a 3-year-old son of Royal Anthem owned by Patricia Generazio, who gained his first stakes victory in the Jersey Derby on turf, paying $22.80 to win.

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August 12, 2006
FRANKEL'S MONMOUTH BARN STARTS COMING TO LIFE
Monmouth Park.com

Trainer Bobby Frankel, who has major divisions at Del Mar, Saratoga and Belmont Park, sent a small string to Monmouth last month in the care of assistant Chad Brown.

The horses, who had been based at Churchill Downs, are just now getting into racing form, especially an attractive group of fillies.

Frankel scored his first win of the Monmouth season in last Sunday's Grade 3 Oceanport Stakes with Three Valleys, a ship-in from Saratoga. But the trainer racked up his first score with a locally-based horse on Friday, when Marimba Rhythm won an off-the-turf allowance race.

"She didn't beat too much, but she won very nicely," said Brown, who trained at Monmouth for the first time last year. "She's so well-bred that we'll be looking to get some black type for her. She goes to the breeding shed at the end of the season."

Well-bred might be an understatement. The 4-year-old filly by Golden Missile is out of the Easy Goer mare Relaxing Rhythm, who won Monmouth's Grade 2 Molly Pitcher Handicap in 1998 when she was trained by Pat Byrne.

Brown will saddle another promising miss in Sunday's mile and 70-yard third race in Stronach Stables' Witch Woman, a 3-year-old daughter of Awesome Again who has won twice in four lifetime starts.

The filly was nominated to Sunday's $200,000 Monmouth Oak (G3), but Frankel decided to take an easier path for her fifth career start.

"For one thing, she wasn't Breeders' Cup eligible," Brown said, "and she'd be racing for only half the purse. But Bobby is always conservative, and he really didn't want to rush her along too much. This will be her first start around two turns, and an allowance place is the right spot for her to try it.

"If she shows she can handle stretching out," Brown said, "we'll point her for the filly stakes ($60,000 Without Feathers) here on September 10."

Frankel will have another filly running here Sunday in Dream Lady who has been training at Belmont and returns after a two-month freshening. The 4-year-old by Old Trieste goes in the eighth race at one mile on turf, She was second in the Wishing Well Stakes at Hollywood Park in May, and comes off a poor showing in the Grade 2 Beverly Hills Handicap, where she showed speed and tired to finish last.

"This is a good spot for her to come back," Brown said. "Bobby wants to build up her confidence again."

Brown, who has eight head stabled here, said that it is likely he'll get more runners when Saratoga closes.

"We plan to be very active here in September," he said. "Some of the horses that might have gone to Belmont will be coming here."

One Frankel horse who won't be seen at the current meeting is Ay Caramba, who won last year's running of the Oceanport Stakes. The Brazilian-bred was injured while training up to this year's edition of the stakes, and is now recuperating on a farm in Kentucky.

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August 12, 2006
JOSE VELEZ JR. STILL CELEBRATING 3,000TH VICTORY
Monmouth Park.com

Most will remember Thursday's eighth race as a nice allowance debut for the up-and-coming New Jersey-bred Careless Glances, but for jockey Jose Velez Jr. it meant a lot more than just another trip to the winner's circle. 

After crossing the wire two and a half lengths in front of his nearest rival, Velez celebrated his 3,000th career win, and couldn't help but reminisce.

"It's been a long journey getting here," said the 43-year-old native of Santurce, Puerto Rico, who rode his first winner in 1980 at the Meadowlands  "It's hard to believe it's been that long since I first started out."

Velez was quick to share the spotlight and the accolades being thrown his way.

"This is a team effort, every day," the rider said.  "It's not just me out there riding. It's a combination with my agent, the horses and the horsemen, and everything has to click just right.  I have to thank all the agents I've had over the years - Joe Burdo, Kevin Lyons, Dixie Shea, Frank Sanabria, Vic Gilardi, Danny Mellul and Joe Ferrer -- winning my 3,000th race is just as much a credit to their hard work as it is to mine.

"I've been very fortunate over the years in my career and I plan to continue to ride for at least the next five years, so I'm hopeful that good fortune continues in the years to come."

Velez began riding in 1980 at Atlantic City Race Course.  He won his first race later that year at the Meadowlands and two years later was the leading apprentice at Hialeah in 1982, and won the riding title that year at Gulfstream.  He earned titles at Calder in 1983 and 1985 and was inducted into that racetrack's Hall of Fame in 1997.  The following year he was leading rider at the Meadowlands.

His biggest win came in 2003 when he won the Grade 1 United Nations at Monmouth aboard Balto Star. His biggest near-miss came in the Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Mile in 2000, when he was beaten a neck aboard North East Bound.

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August 11, 2006
THE CAN'T YOU SEE STORY JUST KEEPS GETTING BETTER
Monmouth Park.com

Can't You See is an ordinary-looking 8-year-old chestnut mare who trains (usually) really well, runs (mostly) indifferently, and wins (very) infrequently, but she means the world to owner-trainer Jeanne Vuyosevich; her husband Ken Kehoe, who bred the mare; exercise rider Bill Wilson, and jockey Navin Mangalee. 

The New Jersey-bred daughter of My Prince Charming - Got My Eyes On You, by Jolly Jake, won here on Friday - just her third victory in 63 starts over six seasons - and understandably paid $67.80 to her scattered backers.

Just winning is pretty remarkable for Can't You See, and could be a story in itself. But she took the claiming event while in foal, and after providing physical and mental therapy for Wilson, a stroke victim. And as the icing on the cupcake, she provided jockey Mangalee with his first Monmouth winner ever, and Vuyosevich with her first score of the season.

"She only wins every two years," Vuyosevich said, "and she was right on schedule. But I'm so proud of her for everything that she does."

Wilson, whose father, also Bill Wilson, worked as a valet at Atlantic City and Garden State for many years, loves the mare for the care she's provided him while he's rehabilitating from a stroke last year.

"It was August 7,"  Wilson said, remembering the day. "I was galloping a horse at Louisiana Downs when I had the stroke. The horse got me back to the barn safe. My right side was paralyzed for four days before it started to improve. I was hospitalized in Shreveport for two weeks and then had two weeks in a rehab before they let me come back to New Jersey."

Wilson, who has been part of the Vuyosevich family for years, was finally able to get back on a horse in March at the urging of his physical therapist. The horse he got on every day was Can't You See, who took care of her rider while he recuperated.

"She seemed to know that I needed help," Wilson said, "and she took care of me when I rode her. She did everything right, every day.

"She helped me get stronger, and I think I'm about 90 percent recovered now."

It was in March that Vuyosevich decided to breed Can't You See, who is in foal to Private Interview and due next April.

"I was going to make her a show horse," the trainer said, "but to hedge my bets I decided to breed her. I got the idea from Buddy Raines. I talked to him every day when he was stabled here in the '70s, and one time he told me that he had a filly with a lot of talent who just wouldn't win. He bred her and she won three races while in foal.

"I remembered that, and after we bred Can't You See we brought her back to the track. She was in the right spot last week, and Navin rode her perfectly."

Mangalee, a Trinidad native who came to Monmouth via Emerald Downs and Turf Paradise, kept the mare right up in the mix the entire mile and a sixteenth and she outgamed Gladiator Girl to win by a head. It was his first win since he was injured at the Arizona track during the winter.

Vuyosevich has more plans for Can't You See, who's had quite an eclectic career already.

"She'll have one more start, and then I'll put her in the mare and foal show at the New Jersey Horse Park in September," the trainer said. "It would be great if she could win that."

Can't You See is an eighth generation-bred by Kehoe and Vuyosevich, who operate Sunset Meadow Farm in Farmingdale, New Jersey. 

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August 10, 2006
LEZCANO BRUISED, BUT OKAY FOLLOWING WEDNESDAY FALL
Monmouth Park.com

Jockey Jose Lezcano, second leading rider at Monmouth Park, was reported to be bruised, but okay following a fall just before the wire in the ninth race on Wednesday.

"Jose has no broken bones," said his agent Jason Beides.  "He is badly bruised and we're going to take it day-by-day for right now.  He won't ride today's card, but he's hopeful that he'll be back riding tomorrow (Friday)."

Lezcano was taken to Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch after being unseated by his mount Hermosillo during the running of the final race on the card.  The horse ducked out just before the wire, unseating the rider prior to crossing the finish line.

Through Wednesday's card Lezcano has 61 wins from 276 mounts. 

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August 10, 2006
VELEZ WINS 3,000TH CAREER RACE ABOARD CARELESS GLANCES AT MONMOUTH PARK THURSDAY
Monmouth Park.com

Oceanport, N.J. - Jockey Jose Velez Jr. recorded his 3,000th career win at Monmouth Park Thursday after guiding Careless Glances to a 2 1/2 length win in the eighth race for trainer John Tammaro and John Bower's Roseland Farm Stables.

"This is just great," said a jubilant Velez following the milestone.  "I'm just so glad I got to win my 3,000th with John Tammaro and Mr. Bowers, who's been very kind to me.  I ride in Jersey and it's even more exciting to win it with Jersey guys.  This is really unbelievable."

A native of Santurce, Puerto Rico, Velez began riding in 1980 at Atlantic City Race Course.  He won his first race later that year at the Meadowlands.  He was the leading rider at Gulfstream Park in 1982 and Calder in 1983 and 1985.  In 1997 he was inducted into the Calder Racecourse Hall of Fame.

His biggest win came in 2003 when he won the Grade 1 United Nations at Monmouth aboard Balto Star.

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August 9, 2006
BLUEGRASS CAT BACK AT SARATOGA TO PREPARE FOR TRAVERS
Monmouth Park.com

Bluegrass Cat, who became trainer Todd Pletcher's first Haskell Invitational winner with a brilliant performance Sunday, was back on the track at Saratoga Wednesday morning as he begins preparations for his next start, the Travers Stakes on Aug. 26.

Elliott Walden, racing manager for WinStar Farm, breeder and owner of Bluegrass Cat, said the horse came out of his seven-length Haskell victory in fine shape.

"He got back to Todd's barn (at Saratoga) about midnight on Sunday," Walden said, "and he looks really good. He came out of the Haskell in good shape, and if everything goes well, we'll run in the Travers."

Meanwhile, back at Monmouth, the Praying for Cash team was still savoring the thrill of a lifetime. The Kelly Breen-trained colt led for nearly a mile of the Haskell, and held gamely to be second. The Grade 1 placing has raised his value considerably.

"We've had all kinds of calls, all kinds of offers," said Ricky Gallo, who owns the colt in partnership with Bobby Hurley and Pat Scire. "It was really thrilling. About the three-eighths pole, I got this chill when I thought we had a chance to win. And then Bluegrass Cat went by.

"But it was an amazing race, and he ran so well that I'm still smiling," Gallo said.

Breen said he'll wait a while before deciding on the next step.

"He came out of the race fine," the trainer said. "He ran a great race."

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August 7, 2006

NEW JERSEY WEEKEND DIPS

By MIKE FARRELL, Daily Racing Form

Over 70,000 fans turned out over the weekend for the two biggest days of the year in New Jersey racing.

On Saturday, the $1.5 million Hambletonian for trotters attracted 29,531 at the Meadowlands Racetrack. The combined handle from all sources was over $8 million. In 2005, the race drew 31,245 with a combined handle of $9 million.

Monmouth Park hosted the $1 million Haskell Invitational on Sunday before 42,318, the fifth highest turnout for the race. The total handle was $11.8 million. Both figures were lower than in 2005, when the Haskell Day crowd was 43,769 and the combined handle topped $12.5 million. The record crowd for a Haskell card is the 53,638 who turned out in 2003 to see Peace Rules win.

Still, the large crowds were a welcome development for the beleaguered New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority, which owns both tracks. New Jersey racing was crippled during the first seven days of July by the shutdown of state government. The Meadowlands lost four live cards; Monmouth two. A heat wave last week forced the cancellation of Monmouth's Wednesday card.

The sports authority again offered a cross-breed daily double combining the Hambletonian and the Haskell. The $2 ticket combining Glidemaster ($14) in the Hambo with Bluegrass Cat ($4) in the Haskell paid $43.80.

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August 7, 2006

WEEKEND CROWD IN JERSEY TOPS 70,000

By MIKE FARRELL, Daily Racing Form

Over 70,000 fans turned out for the two biggest days in New Jersey racing, which featured major 3-year-old stakes.

On Saturday, the $1.5 million Hambletonian for trotters attracted 29,531 at the Meadowlands Racetrack. The combined handle from all sources was over $8 million. In 2005, the Hambletonian drew 31,245 and a combined handle of $9 million.

Monmouth Park hosted the $1 million Haskell Invitation on Sunday before 42,318, the fifth-highest turnout for the race. Total handle was $11.8 million. Both figures were less than 2005, when the Haskell Day crowd was 43,769 and the combined handle topped $12.5 million.

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August 7, 2006                         

BREEN, BRAVO GAVE BEST SHOT            

By MIKE FARRELL, Daily Racing Form

OCEANPORT, N.J. - Trainer Kelly Breen and jockey Joe Bravo, who both top the Monmouth Park meet standings, took a strong run Sunday at the Monmouth's biggest prize, the $1 million Haskell Invitational, with Praying for Cash.

Breen was confident Praying for Cash would run well, and he knew Bravo would get the most out of the colt. The end result: a pacesetting second behind the more experienced and Triple Crown-tested Bluegrass Cat.

"Going down the backside, I was so confident," Bravo said. "I had so much horse, I knew it would take a really good horse to pass us, and Bluegrass Cat is a really good horse. He could be one of the top 3 year-olds in the country, and we made him run."

Bravo rode an excellent tactical race. He hustled Praying for Cash right to the front to discourage rivals from contesting the pace. Bravo also picked the right path, keeping Praying for Cash in the third or fourth lane on a day when the rail was dead.

"We left a lot of the decisions up to Joe," Breen said. "We wanted to be on the pace. We didn't think the track was favorable to front-runners, but at the same time we didn't want to take our horse out of his game.

"That's one of the reasons we ride Joe. It's his track. We were in the three path, and it wasn't like we were trying to mess with Bluegrass Cat. We wanted the best advantage that we could get."

Bravo knows the racetrack and its tendencies like most of us know the shortest route to the supermarket.

"It has been a very inconsistent racetrack," Bravo said. "Each lane is different. A big part of the weekend was me knowing the racetrack and which paths were good and bad."

Breen was not sure where Praying for Cash would run next. He did not rule out the Travers Stakes at Saratoga on Aug. 26.

Bravo and Breen had a Sunday to remember. Bravo won the first five races and had three seconds, including with Breen's Prop Me Up in the Grade 3 Matchmaker.

The two also teamed to win the $65,000 Lincroft Handicap with Meadow Blue.

Who's the Cowboy's presence felt

For over a year, Joey P. has been widely viewed as the leading New Jersey-bred sprinter at Monmouth Park. The 4-year-old Joey P. was unbeaten in eight sprints at Monmouth, including last year's Grade 3 Jersey Shore Breeders' Cup Stakes, heading into the $100,000 Teddy Drone Stakes on the Haskell undercard.

Joey P. now has competition for the title after Who's the Cowboy stormed to 1 1/4-length win. Joey P., racing on a very dead rail, ran fourth as the 2-1 favorite.

Who's the Cowboy, a homebred for the Sleeter family, has now won two consecutive Monmouth stakes.

The latest win has owner Gerald Sleeter thinking about a return try in the Grade 1 De Francis Memorial at Laurel on Nov. 25.

Who's the Cowboy was seventh of 14 in last year's De Francis, his final start of the season.

Who's the Cowboy has now won nine of 20 starts, including wins over Grade 1 winners Valid Video in the Teddy Drone and Bishop Court Hill in an allowance race at the Meadowlands last fall.

Who's the Cowboy will probably next run against statebreds in Monmouth's $100,000 Friendly Lover Handicap on Sept. 16.

Rail post an iffy spot

Red Damask finds herself on the rail - so dead here Sunday - for Wednesday's $38,000 first-level allowance feature for fillies and mares at 1 1/16 miles.

If the inside is better at the start of the new week, Red Damask will be very tough. She turned in a strong pacesetting effort in her Monmouth debut on June 30, holding on for second.      

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August 7, 2006

MASSEUSE OKAY AFTER INJURY

By DAVID GRENING, Daily Racing Form

Masseuse was pulled up by Edgar Prado just a few strides out of the gate as the 6-5 favorite in the Matchmaker on Saturday at Monmouth Park, and was found to have a sore left hind stifle, trainer Jimmy Toner said.

Toner said Masseuse should be fine and able to make it back to the races soon.

"I haven't spoken to Edgar yet, but you can't question anything he did," Toner said. "She takes a lot of warming up, and for some reason they had a very short post parade, and I don't think she had a lot of time to warm up."

Toner said he had flashbacks to the Preakness when he saw Prado pulling Masseuse up. Prado was also aboard Barbaro when he pulled him up one furlong into the running of the Preakness.

"I'm looking at Barbaro in my head - 'Don't do this to me,' " Toner said. "Fortunately, she should be okay in a couple of days."

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August 7, 2006
BLUEGRASS CAT MAY PARLAY HASKELL WIN INTO TRAVERS START
PRAYING FOR CASH (2ND), STRONG CONTENDER (3RD) IN FINE FETTLE
Monmouth Park.com

Oceanport, N.J. - The connections of Bluegrass Cat were continuing to celebrate their win on Monday following their colt's record seven-length score in Sunday's $1 million Haskell Invitational before a crowd of 42,318 at Monmouth Park.

Sent off the odds-on choice, Bluegrass Cat came into the Haskell off runner-up performances in the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes.  His connections indicated the Travers may be the next stop for the colt by Storm Cat out of the A.P. Indy mare She's a Winner.

"We only have 20 days to the Travers," said winning trainer Todd Pletcher following the Haskell.  "We'll let him tell us how he bounces out of this."

Praying for Cash, runner-up in the million-dollar race, was reported in fine fettle following the Haskell.

"He's in great shape," said his trainer Kelly John Breen.  "Joe (jockey Bravo) rode him great.  He knows this racetrack like the back of his hand and he did a fantastic job.  We're all still ecstatic over the race.  We haven't decided on his next start as of yet."

Trainer John Ward, who sent out third place finisher Strong Contender in the mile and an eighth Haskell, reported his horse in good shape as well, even after getting bumped around in the race.

"The colt is fine," said Ward from his Saratoga headquarters.  "He's no worse for the wear after the roller derby that he was in.  He's back at Belmont now and we'll sit down and make a decision about his next race soon."

Sunday's crowd of 42,318 was the sixth largest on record for Monmouth's signature event.  Total handle of $11.7 million was the fourth largest.

Monmouth Park's Thoroughbred meet runs through Sunday, Sept. 24 with live racing Wednesday through Sunday - first post 12:50 p.m.

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August 6, 2006
READY'S GAL, THREE VALLEYS TAKE GRADED TURF STAKES SUNDAY
BRAVO WINS FIRST FIVE RACES ON HASKELL DAY BRAVO WINS FIRST FIVE RACES ON HASKELL DAY UNDER CARD
Monmouth Park.com

OCEANPORT, N.J. -Ready's Gal captured the $150,000 Taylor Made Matchmaker Stakes (G3), Three Valleys took the Oceanport Stakes (G3) and Joe Bravo provided early excitement on the Haskell Day under card as Monmouth's leading rider swept the first five races, including the Lincroft Handicap (first race), and the Lady's Secret Stakes (third race).

In the Matchmaker, James Scatuorchio's Ready's Gal, the 5-2 second choice, caught the speedy Humoristic coming into the stretch and then held off Prop Me Up to win by a half-length. Ready's Gal stopped the timer in 1:48 3/5 for the mile and an eighth on firm turf, and paid $7.80, $4.60 and $4.40 across the board. Prop Me Up, a 10-1 chance, completed the $79.40 exacta and paid $9 and $5. Humoristic held third and paid $8 to show.

Masseuse, the 6-5 favorite, was pulled up soon after the start and was vanned off.

Ready's Gal is now two-for-two at Monmouth. She won the Little Silver on grass here last year. It was the second stakes score of the year for the 4-year-old daughter of More Than Ready who won the Grade 3 Hillsborough at Tampa Bay in March.

Juddmonte Farms' Three Valleys provided trainer Bobby Frankel with his second straight victory in the Oceanport Stakes as he rallied to score by a neck over Hotstufanthensome. Frankel took last year's edition of the Oceanport with Ay Caramba.

Three Valleys, ridden by Ramon Dominguez, raced the mile and a sixteenth over the firm course in 1:40 flat, and paid $6.60, $3.80 and $2.80 across as the tepid choice. Hotstufanthensome completed the $24.40 exacta and paid $4.20 and $2.80 as third choice in the field of 10. Rebel Rebel, the 5-2 second choice, ran third, three lengths behind the top two.

This was the first start in 10 months for Three Valleys, a 5-year-old son of Diesis who had not run since last October at Keeneland. He was a Group 1 stakes winner as a 3-year-old in England, and a graded stakes winner in the U.S. last season, taking the Grade 2 Del Mar Breeders' Cup Handicap.

"My horse had a great trip," Dominguez said. "I wasn't really worried about the pace up front because I was focused on my horse. When I got t