Six 3-year-olds have entered Saturday’s Long Branch Stakes
at Monmouth Park, all perhaps with an eye on the
Jersey Shore’s top prize - the $1 million IZOD Haskell Invitational on Aug. 1.
But before anyone makes plans on facing Kentucky Derby winner Super Saver in
the IZOD Haskell, they need to pass their final test, the mile and a sixteenth Long Branch.
Among those entered in the Long Branch
are the local hope of Southern Ridge and the New York-invader Trappe Shot.
Southern Ridge ran third in his debut over this course on May 22 before coming
back to dominate his foes in a 7 ½ length maiden score at a mile and a
sixteenth. Trained by John Forbes, Southern Ridge will have the services of
C.H. Marquez Jr. for Sunday’s race.
Trappe Shot rides a three-race win streak into the Long
Branch, his most recent an entry-level allowance at seven furlongs
over the Belmont Park surface. Trained by Kiaran
McLaughlin, the colt by Tapit will be making his two-turn debut in the Long Branch.
In 2004, Lion Heart, runner-up in that year’s Kentucky Derby, prepped in the Long Branch before
capturing the Haskell. Last year, the Long
Branch went to Atomic Rain, who was subsequently sold
before starting in the Haskell in the famous blue colors of Godolphin.
The $175,000 Long Branch
will go as race 11 on a 12-race program. The field for the race, including
rider assignments, is:
1. Southern Ridge (C. H. Marquez Jr.)
2. Colizeo (Garrett Gomez)
3. Trappe Shot (Alan Garcia)
4. Nacho Friend (Joe Bravo)
5. Latigo Shore (Jeremy Rose)
6. Wildcat Lake (Kendrick Carmouche)
TWILIGHT RACING THIS FRIDAY - FIRST POST 2:10 P.M.
Monmouth Park will host the first of three
twilight cards beginning this Friday, July 9. First post for twilight racing
(July 9, 16 and 23) will be 2:10 p.m.
Gates at the racetrack will open at 11:30 a.m., with simulcasting getting
underway at 12:35 p.m.
Twilight racing is slated to host 11 or 12 races with the live card set to
conclude around 7:30 p.m.
ST. PATRICK’S DAY IN JULY RETURNS TO MONMOUTH THIS SUNDAY
Monmouth Park’s St. Patrick’s Day in July returns to the Shore racetrack this
Sunday. Everyone wearing green will receive free Grandstand or half-price
Clubhouse admission.
On-track will be the Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh Pipe and Drum Band as well
as the Bobby Byrne Band performing traditional Irish music. The $100,000 John
McSorley Stakes will lead the expected 12-race program.
Gates open at 11:30 a.m., with first post set at 12:50 p.m. For more
information, call 732-222-5100 or visit online www.monmouthpark.com.