DROP DEAD RED CAPTURES $60,000 POLITELY STAKES AT MONMOUTH

By John Heims —-

OCEANPORT, N.J. – Drop Dead Red returned an immediate profit for new owner Cavallino Racing LLC and trainer Kelly Breen, sitting behind dueling leaders early and then having enough to hold off 3-5 favorite Party Boat to capture the featured $60,000 Politely Stakes on Saturday, May 19, at Monmouth Park.

Claimed in her last start for $25,000, the 5-year-old mare covered the one mile distance over a sloppy track in 1:39 flat, holding off the late-running Party Boat by a half-length. It was another 2¼ lengths back to Trace of Grace in third.

The $36,000 winner’s share meant an immediate profit for the new connections.

“I knew she was training well,” said Breen. “Down the backstretch I thought we were in a good spot. The wire came up just in time.”

Drop Dead Red, who returned $17.20 to win, also marked the third of four winners on the 11-race card for jockey Paco Lopez.

Breen won twice on the rain-soaked afternoon, capturing the fifth race as well with Accusing – the other horse he claimed along with Drop Dead Red on April 8 at Keeneland. Breen now has sent out six winners from 10 starters at the meeting.

Drop Dead Red sat fourth during the early stages behind dueling leaders, then swept around the three frontrunners entering the final turn. She had just enough left to hold off Party Boat and jockey Joe Bravo. The exacta returned $49.20.