Monmouth Park Barn Notes for May 26, 2017

By John Heims —-

TRAINER MOTION BRINGS IN TWO CONTENDERS FOR RED BANK TITLE

Trainer H. Graham Motion will ship in two challengers, Can’thelpbelieving and Irish Strait, both with wins over the Monmouth Park turf course, to take on 11 others, including three MTOs going a mile in Saturday’s Grade 3, $100,000 Red Bank Stakes.

Can’thelpbelieving is making his second start off an 8-month layoff. His first start this season came in the Grade 1 Woodford Reserve Turf Classic on the Kentucky Derby undercard, where he finished 11th.

“He has been doing well,” said Motion. “We were disappointed in the way he ran last time out. He didn’t seem like he was able to settle. He has been training good coming into the race. I think a mile might be a little short for him, but they should be going quick upfront so he will probably sit off the pace.”

In his final start of 2016, the 6-year-old gelding by Duke of Marmalade out of the Soviet Star mare Embark captured the Grade 3 Cliff Hanger Stakes at Monmouth in late-running fashion. His only other start over the Monmouth grass came in last year’s Grade 1 United Nations Stakes where he finished fifth behind multiple graded stakes winning World Approval.

Can’thelpbelieving hasn’t worked since his return to the races in 2017. His last work came on April 29, where he went six furlongs over the Fair Hill training track in 1:13 2/5.

Motion’s other entrant in the Red Bank is Irish Strait, who enters off a fourth place finish in the Henry Clark Stakes at Laurel Park over a yielding turf course on April 22. He’s also the older brother of fellow New Jersey bred and winner of multiple graded stakes winner, Irish War Cry.

“He has really improved this year,” said Motion. “Although he hasn’t won this year, he’s run well in each of his races this year. I think he will be very competitive in this spot.”

The 5-year-old gelding by English Channel out of the Polish Numbers mare Irish Sovereign made his only start in graded stakes company in his first race of 2017. He finished third by a length in the Grade 3 Tampa Bay Stakes on Feb. 11.

Irish Strait has gotten to the winner’s circle twice in six career starts over the Monmouth turf. His latest win over the course came on Sept. 11 where he took an allowance optional claiming event by 2 ¾ lengths.

Irish Strait has worked twice since his run at Laurel. The latest came on May 22 where the gelding went five furlongs in 1:02 2/5.

For either entry to grab the Red Bank Title, they would have to defeat graded stakes winner All Included, trained by Todd Pletcher who took the Grade 3 Appleton Stakes at Gulfstream Park last time out.

Antonio Gallardo will get the call aboard Can’thelpbelieving, while Orlando Bocachica will ride Irish Strait.

The Red Bank is scheduled for race 9 on Saturday’s 10-race card. Gates will open early Saturday at 11 a.m. for day 1 of the Jersey Shore Food Truck Festival. First post is set for 12:50 p.m.

FOOD TRUCKS ROLL INTO MONMOUTH PARK FOR MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND

Monmouth Park’s popular Food Truck Festival returns Saturday, May 27 and will again span all three days of the Memorial Day Holiday weekend

New this year will be expanded bandstands, with two separate stages of live music on Saturday and Sunday. On both those days, gates will open early at 11 a.m., and both days will feature the full-slate of Family Fun Day activities, including a bounce house, clowns, pony rides, face painters and more. On Monday, gates open at 11:30 a.m.

The food trucks first rolled into Monmouth in 2012 for a one-day event, which has expanded in size and scope to what it is today. Among those who will be concocting their culinary delights are: Empanada Guy, Wild Bill’s Soda, Red Hook Lobster and Enzo’s Deli, to name a few.

Over the three-day holiday weekend first post will be 12:50 p.m. Admission to the Grandstand, where the food trucks will assemble, is $5 – seniors pay $3 and children 12 and under are free.

For more information, visit www.monmouthpark.com.

BETFAIR.COM HASKELL TICKETS NOW ON SALE

Tickets for the 50th edition of the betfair.com Haskell Invitational, to be renewed on Sunday, July 30, go on sale Saturday.

Clubhouse sections start at $25, while Grandstand seats range from $20-$25. For the Grandstand balcony seat prices go from $13-$18. A complete Grandstand or Clubhouse box ranges from $100-$200 depending on the number of people.

Last year, Preakness winner Exaggerator took down Kentucky Derby champion Nyquist in the slop to take home the 49th rendition.

Admission on Haskell Day, which is not included in the reserved seat price, is $8 for the Grandstand and $10 for the Clubhouse. For seniors aged 55 and up Grandstand admission is $4 and Clubhouse admission will cost $5.

Haskell tickets can be purchased by calling 732-571-5563, or by visiting the reserved seat booth (2nd floor of the Grandstand) on any live racing day. In addition, fans can pre-purchase Haskell seats directly through www.monmouthpark.com.

The Haskell is part of the Breeder’s Cup Challenge Series: Win & You’re In with the victor earning an automatic berth to the $6 million Classic.