Seven seasoned and talented turf specialists will line up in
the gate on Saturday when Monmouth Park presents the Grade 1 $500,000 United
Nations Stakes to be contested at one-mile-and-three eighths. The United
Nations is a Breeders’ Cup ‘Win and You’re In’ event for the $3 million Turf on
November 3.
Slim Shadey, who was second to 2011 Champion Older Male Acclamation
by only one length last out in the Grade 1 Charlie Whittingham Handicap at
Betfair Hollywood Park on June 9, is the sole invader from the West Coast. With
regular rider David Flores in the irons, he’ll take on some of the Beasts of
the East in this year’s older male grass horse division.
Bred in Great Britain and trained by Tom Albertrani, Slim
Shadey will carry top weight of 120 pounds while Air Support, Al Khali,
Brilliant Speed, Eldaafer, Freud’s Honour and Turbo Compressor will all
shoulder 118.
Al Kali and Brilliant Speed last raced in the Grade
1 Woodford Reserve Manhattan Handicap at Belmont Park and Turbo Compressor and
Slim Shadey joined that pair two starts back in field for the Grade 1 Woodford
Reserve Turf Classic at Churchill Downs. On June 16, Turbo Compressor went
gate-to-wire while finishing in front of a fast-closing Air Support in the
$500,000 Colonial Turf Cup at Colonial Downs.
2010 Breeders’ Cup Marathon winner Eldaafer and Freud’s
Honour are stabled on the grounds and will be saddled by Diane Alvarado and
Gregg Sacco, respectively. Eldaafer was second in the Grade 2 Brooklyn Handicap
at one-mile-and-a-half on Belmont’s
main track after being steadied early in his last effort and Freud’s Honour is
still looking for his first victory this year after two starts over Monmouth’s
turf course in the allowance optional claiming ranks.
The field, from the rail out and with trainers and riders,
is: Turbo Compressor, Todd Pletcher, Joe
Bravo; Brilliant Speed, Tom Albertrani, Joel Rosario; Slim Shadey, Simon
Callaghan, David Flores; Al Khali, Bill Mott, Rosie Napravnik; Freud’s Honour, Gregg
Sacco, Angel Serpa; Eldaafer, Diane Alvarado, Paco Lopez; and Air Support, Shug
McGaughey, Alex Solis.