Living up to her odds-on billing, George L. Schwartz’s Way
With Words cruised to a four-length win in the $100,000 Open Mind Handicap.
Ridden by Eddie Castro, Way With Words sat off the early
pace before rolling by her foes at the eighth pole and drawing off to pay $4,
$2.60 and $2.60 as the favorite in the field of nine fillies and mares.
“She’s just a lovely horse to be around,” said winning
trainer Mary Eppler. “She can do just
about everything. She can win on turf or
dirt, while going long or short. She
runs hard every time she goes on the track.”
Dakota Doll, who was up on the early pace, held second to complete
the $22.80 exacta and paid $5.20 to place and $4 to show. It was another 4 ¼ lengths back to Moneigh
Lisa, who returned $5.40 to show.
The Open Mind, run on the fast main track, marked the 10th
victory in 25 starts for Way With Words, seven of them coming at Monmouth Park.
The daughter of Sefapiano has now earned $466,900 for her connections.