D’Angelo optimistic Kirin will take a step forward in Saturday’s Tyro Stakes at Monmouth Park

By Tom Luicci —

D’ANGELO LOOKING FOR KIRIN TO TAKE A BIG STEP FORWARD

OCEANPORT, N.J. – Ever since Jose D’Angelo took over the training for Kirin after the colt was purchased for $100,000 at the Ocala Breeders’ June Sales For 2-Year-Olds by Moreplay LLC and Adela Munoz he has seen steady improvement and growth.

Now, he says, it’s time to find out if that will translate into stakes company.

A son of Lord Nelson-Wealth Effect by Curlin, Kirin will be trying both stakes company and the turf for the first time in Saturday’s $100,000 Tyro Stakes for 2-year-olds at Monmouth Park.

A winner in his only career start so far when he scored by 2½-lengths on the dirt in maiden special weight company at Gulfstream on May 3, Kirin will be making his first start for D’Angelo as well.

“The horse is doing well,” said D’Angelo. “He’s improving every week. He’s just a baby but he’s looking more professional each week.

“It’s a big test in good company. It’s not going to be an easy race. But I think a lot of him.”

Five-furlong grass races for 2-years-olds at Monmouth are generally daunting, in large part because of the presence of trainer Wesley Ward. He will send out Johnny Come Lately in the Tyro, looking to sweep the track’s two 2-year-old sprints on the grass after an impressive performance by Dreamaway in winning last week’s Colleen Stakes.

D’Angelo also got to see the George Weaver-trained Governor Sam when that colt went gate to wire in a 2¼-length maiden special weight win at Saratoga on July 19.

“Governor Sam has experience and he was very impressive winning at Saratoga,” said D’Angelo. “Wesley Ward’s horses always look tough in these spots. It’s not an easy race but I think my horse is ready.”

Though D’Angelo has only had Kirin for two months he was impressed when he went back and watched the horse’s winning debut. He was finally able to get a grass work into Kirin at Saratoga on July 26.

“I liked what I saw when I watched his first race,” D’Angelo said. “He showed good speed from the gate and he galloped out so strongly that they had to get a pony to stop him. That’s why I am so optimistic. We know how much horses can improve from their first start. He just has to improve again.”

D’Angelo said one of the reason he is trying the grass with Kirin is because the colt’s damn, Wealth Effect, posted her only win in a seven-race career on the grass at Belmont.

“When we worked him on the grass he looked good to me,” D’Angelo said. “I saw that work and felt it was good to take a shot in the Tyro Stakes. So now we’ll see.”

LATIN FESTIVAL: TACOS AND TEQUILA SET FOR SUNDAY, AUG. 4

Fourteen food trucks, a variety of homemade tequila specialties and live music will highlight the Latin Festival: Tacos & Tequila event that will take place on Sunday, Aug. 4, at Monmouth Park.

Vendors on hand will be: Empanada Beast, Empanada Guy, Kona Ice, Latin Bites, Latin Fuego, Lola’s, The MexiBoys, MozzArepas, Ma & Pa’s Pineapples, Tortas Lokas, Twelve, Sweetpepper Venezuelan Specialties, Spirit of San Juan and Vampire Penquin.

Xol Azul will be the featured band, performing “On the Green” from noon to 4 p.m.

Sunday is also Family Fun Day, with free face painters, pony rides, clowns and a bounce house for kids.