After being considered for Saturday’s Jamaica H. (G1) on turf, ICE BOX
(Pulpit) will remain on dirt and make his first start against older horses in
the $300,000
Monmouth Cup (G2) on Saturday. Winner of the Florida Derby (G1) and
second in the Kentucky Derby (G1), the Nick Zito-trained colt will attempt to
rebound from a trio of unplaced finishes in the Travers S. (G1), Haskell
Invitational (G1) and Belmont S. (G1). Chuck Lopez will pick up the mount.
ETCHED (Forestry) is the defending champion in the 1 1/8-mile race, which was
formerly known as the Meadowlands Cup. Trained by Kiaran McLaughlin, the
five-year-old posted a hard-fought neck decision at the Meadowlands 12 months
ago before concluding 2009 with a 13th-placed showing in the Clark H. (G2). He
was sidelined for 9 1/2 months afterward, returning in the September 12 Formal
Gold S. at Monmouth Park, and drew clear late to a one-length victory off the
lengthy layoff. The chestnut must be considered a serious win contender with
further improvement off that effort, and Eddie Castro will take over the reins.
Grade 2 hero MUSKET MAN (Yonaguska) will compete for favoritism. Winner of
the Illinois Derby (G2) and Tampa Bay Derby (G3) last year, the Derek Ryan
trainee also placed in the Kentucky Derby and Preakness S. (G1) before missing
the rest of the season. He’s come back in good form at four, winning the Super
S. before placing in four straight graded stakes, including three Grade 1s, and
exits a commendable third in the Whitney H. (G1) in which he finished third,
beaten only two lengths by Blame (Arch) following a wide trip. Eibar Coa will
regain the mount.
DUKE OF MISCHIEF (Graeme Hall) is another logical threat. Winner of the
Oaklawn H. (G2) earlier this year, the David Fawkes four-year-old exits a strong
performance over the track, winning the Philip H. Iselin S. (G3) by 2 1/4 lengths.
He earned a 107 BRIS Speed rating for the performance, and runner-up Redding
Colliery (Mineshaft) came back to win the Hawthorne Gold Cup (G2) next out. Paco Lopez will take over for Coa, who opted for Musket Man.
Multiple Grade 2 winner DRY MARTINI (Slew Gin Fizz), who exits a couple of
unplaced efforts on turf, and 2009 Iselin winner CHIRAC (Sligo Bay [Ire]) round out the
six-horse field.