Just Jenda made her return to the Shore a victorious one
Sunday, winning the $100,000 Monmouth Beach Stakes in front of a crowd of
15,094 to improve her record to a perfect 3-for-3 at Monmouth Park.
The winner of last year’s Serena’s Song and Grade 3 Monmouth Oaks, Just Jenda
raced just in behind the pace down the backstretch before rallying inside of
pacesetting McVictory down the lane en route to a length-and-a-half score.
“We were in a great spot today,” said winning jockey Terry Thompson. “I just
sat back and watched the race set up in front of me. She sat in mid-pack, right
behind the pace, and was a little on the bit heading to the three-eighths.
Luckily for us, the leader tired a little and came off the rail and we were
able to take his spot.”
The Monmouth Beach was the first stakes win of the
year for Just Jenda, a 4-year-old Menifee filly, who most recently finished
fourth behind the undefeated Zenyatta in the Grade 1 Apple Blossom at Oaklawn.
Winning trainer Cindy Jones was pleased to see her filly back in the winner’s
circle.
“She’s just an awesome filly,” Jones said. “She loves Monmouth Park
and we certainly do too. She has gotten a lot bigger this year than she was
last year. We’re very happy with her.”
Sent off the 8-5 favorite in the field of eight, Just Jenda paid $5.40, $3.40
and $2.80. She completed the one mile and 70 yards in 1:42 finishing ahead of
McVictory and longshot Ask the Moon.
With the win, Just Jenda improved her career record to 7-1-2 from 15 starts.