AMERICAN
GRADED STAKES PREVIEWS
|
MONMOUTH OAKS (G3), 9TH-MTH, $150,000, 3YO, F, 1 1/16M, 4:47 P.M. EDT, 8-9 |
|
| 1 |
WHIRLIE BERTIE, 3, f, by Stormin FeverDe Bertie, by De Niro O-Richard Bertram & Elaine Klein; B-Klein Bertram W. (Ky) |
| 2 |
POPULIST, 3, f, by Fusaichi PegasusPopulation (Ire), by General Assembly O-John A Fike; B-Mellon Patch Inc. & George Mellon (Ky) |
| 3 |
OPEN SKIES, 3, f, by DefrereRaspberry Ice, by Stop the Music O-Elr Corp; B-Rising Sun Farm, Inc. (NJ) |
| 4 |
ACOMA, 3, f, by Empire MakerAurora, by Danzig O-Helen C Alexander & Helen K Groves; B-Alexander-Groves Thoroughbreds (Ky) |
| 5 |
AFRICAN VIOLET, 3, f, by Lemon Drop KidRun Ameadowstar, by Cherokee Run O-J Mack Robinson; B-J Mack Robinson (Ky) |
| 6 |
PHILLY GAL, 3, f, by Doneraile CourtAunt Imo, by Smart Strike O-Main Line Racing Stable; B-Mike Pegram (Ky) |
| 7 |
MAREN’S MEADOW, 3, f, by MeadowlakeGold Liaka, by Yukon O-River Ridge Ranch; B-Josham Farms Limited (Ont-C) |
Seven three-year-old fillies have been entered in Saturday’s $150,000
Monmouth Oaks (G3) over the Oceanport, New Jersey, track, and ACOMA (Empire
Maker) looks to return to the winner’s circle on the class drop. The David
Carroll-trained bay missed in her debut on March 13, but proceeded to take her
next three, including the Dogwood S. (G3) going the Monmouth Oaks’ distance of 8
1/2 furlongs. She returned off that May 31 event to tackle some of the best in
her division in the 10-furlong Coaching Club American Oaks (G1) last out and was
no threat late. Acoma probably needed that one off the break and will likely
show much more here while reverting in distance. Elvis Trujillo picks up the
mount.
AFRICAN VIOLET (Lemon Drop Kid) was a front-running winner of the Polly’s Jet
S. going 1 1/16 miles, then finished second in her next two, the Susan’s Girl S.
and Delaware Oaks (G2). In that latter event, the chestnut miss was just three
parts of a length back on the line after leading in the stretch and earned a 102
BRIS Late Pace rating. She’s been training well for conditioner Graham Motion
and could get the job done here under Eddie Castro.
MAREN’S MEADOW (Meadowlake) won the Bourbonette Oaks (G3) over Turfway Park’s
Polytrack in late March but threw in a bomb when distanced in the Black-Eyed
Susan S. (G2) in her next one. She came back to be fourth in the Delaware Oaks,
leading during the early part of the race before tiring late, and could improve
in this spot with that one under her girth. Terry Thompson has the call.
OPEN SKIES (Defrere) had a two-race win streak broken when trying the turf
for the first time in the Staybridge Suites S. one week ago, but ran well to
take second in that event. The Tim Hills trainee will challenge for the early
lead here and could forget to stop under Jose Lezcano. WHIRLIE BERTIE (Stormin
Fever) has won her past three by a total of 12 3/4 lengths at Churchill Downs
and could surprise in her stakes debut under Calvin Borel. Don’t discount the
dark bay filly.
POPULIST (Fusaichi Pegasus) has won her past two and could earn a share here,
especially if the track comes up muddy. PHILLY GAL (Doneraile Court) has been
well-beaten by stakes rivals in the past and we don’t see her doing any better
in this spot.