The $1.25 million Haskell Invitational (G1) is the centerpiece of Sunday’s 14-race program at Monmouth Park, but the undercard is loaded with seven enticing stakes events. Leading the way are the $200,000
Oceanport S. (G3) and $200,000
Matchmaker S. (G3).
Multiple Grade 2-winning millionaire PROUDINSKY (Ger) (Silvano [Ger]) is the likely
favorite in the Oceanport, a 1 1/16-mile turf affair that has attracted seven
older horses. The six-year-old has placed in two previous stakes attempts over
the course, including a third in the June 13 Monmouth S., where he was beaten
only a length by subsequent United Nations (G1) hero Presious Passion (Royal
Anthem). Winner of the Mervin Muniz Jr. Memorial (G2) for the second straight
time earlier this season, the Bobby Frankel-trained horse will pick up the
services of Kent Desormeaux.
Other contenders include GET SERIOUS (City Zip) and PLEASANT STRIKE (Smart
Strike), the top two finishers in the July 11 Battlefield S., respectively;
multiple Grade 2 victor TIZDEJAVU (Tiznow); and multiple Grade 3 winner and 2007
Oceanport runner-up KISS THE KID (Lemon Drop Kid).
Grade 1 heroines ARIEGE (Doneraile Court) and RUTHERIENNE (Pulpit) are the top
draws in the nine-furlong, grassy Matchmaker, but the latter is cross-entered to
Saturday’s Diana S. (G1) at Saratoga. Ariege, who hails from the Frankel stable,
will be looking to rebound from a fourth-place effort as the favorite in the
Eatontown H. (G3) at Monmouth. The four-year-old lass showed her class in 2008,
posting wins in the Santa Anita Oaks (G1) and Beaumont S. (G2), and recorded a
close third in the Garden City S. (G1). She’s eligible to improve in her third
start of the season and will get a new rider in Desormeaux.
Rutherienne snapped a seven-race losing skid with an authoritative
three-length score in the Nassau S. (Can-G2) at Woodbine on May 30. Winner of
the 2007 Boiling Springs (G3) at Monmouth, the Christophe Clement charge will
loom as a serious presence if her connections opt for this spot. AMERICAN BORDER
(Boundary) and CAPTAIN’S LOVER (SAf) (Captain Al), the respective first- and
third-place finishers in the recent Miss Liberty S., are also part of the
nine-horse field.
Eleven sophomores, including a main-track only runner, are entered for the $100,000
Jersey Derby. LAUREATE CONDUCTOR (Bernstein), GHOST FIVE (Grand Slam) and
SWINGING BERNIE (Bernstein), who came home in the same order in the Choice S. on
July 5, will resume their rivalry in the 1 1/16-mile turf test. The $100,000
Majestic Light S., a 1 1/16-mile event for three-year-olds and up, kicks off
the stakes festivities. ACTING ZIPPY (City Zip), CHIRAC (Sligo Bay [Ire]) and
REAL MERCHANT (Chi) (Merchant of Venice) are all threats in the seven-horse
contest.
SUNDAY GEISHA (Sunday Break [Jpn]), runner-up in the My Juliet S. two starts
back, and Distaff H. (G2) second DISTORTED PASSION (Distorted Humor) highlight a
field of eight distaffers in the $100,000
Regret S.
at six furlongs, and 10 males, including last-out Mr. Prospector runner-up
TIMELY ADVICE (A.P. Indy) and track veteran BRUSH ON BY (Artax), will sprint the
same distance in the $100,000
Teddy
Drone S.. A full field of 12 fillies and mares are set for the $100,000
Lady’s Secret S., and DEVIL HOUSE (Chester House), a 10 1/4-length victress
of the 2008 Lighthouse S. at Monmouth, will merit serious respect.