MONMOUTH: PROFORMA PERFECT IN JERSEY SHORE STAKES

By John Heims —-

PROFORMA PERFECT IN JERSEY SHORE STAKES;
DELGADO GETS FIRST WIN AS TRAINER

Oceanport, NJ. – Darrs, Inc’s Proforma sat off the early speed before coming with a three-wide run around the turn and kicking clear late in the lane to capture the $60,000 Jersey Shore Stakes at Monmouth Park on Saturday afternoon before a crowd of 10,186.

Trained by Michael Stidham, Proforma went the six furlongs over a fast main track in 1:10.14 and returned $4, $2.80, and $2.20. Alex Again, who was nearly two lengths off the winner, paid $3.80 and $3.40 and completed the $16.40 exacta. It was another 2 ¾ lengths to Storming My Way who finished third, good for $2.80.

“He showed a dominant presence before the race in the post parade,” said winning jockey Joe Bravo. “It showed how much horse I was sitting on when he powered to the lead and won with ease. What a pleasure to ride him for the Stidham crew.”

A colt by Munnings from the Salt Lake mare Caseys Irish Pride, Proforma sports a record of 3-0-1 from five starts. Saturday marked his second stakes victory, having won the Sugar Bowl at Fair Grounds earlier this year. The 3-year-old has banked $113,290 for his connections.

In the day’s finale, Jose H. Delgado, a former jockey, got his first win as a trainer when I’m Thirsty, who spotted the field several lengths out of the gate, rallied to run down Cookie Cookie late in the lane and paid $15. A private purchase last month, the 3-year-old filly I’m Thirsty is now 2-1-2 from eight career starts.

A 38-year-old native of Panama, Delgado obtained his trainer’s license at Gulfstream earlier this year.

Live racing continues at Monmouth Park on Sunday, June 25, for Day 2 of the Wine and Chocolate Festival. Gates open 11:30 a.m., first post 12:50 p.m.