Monmouth Park Barn Notes for June 15, 2017

By John Heims —-

JUST CALL KENNY BACK AT THE JERSEY SHORE FOR SALVATOR MILE

Just Call Kenny will not have to travel far from his home on the Monmouth Park backstretch for his next start as he returns to graded stakes company in Saturday’s $100,000, Grade 3 Salvator Mile on the main track.

“He has been training and acting super,” said conditioner Pat McBurney. “We haven’t been able to get him into races that are other than six or seven furlongs, but I think he prefers going around two turns.”

Owned by ABL Stable Bassone, Cahill and Donnelly, the 6-year old horse by Jump Start had to go wide into the far turn and ran on late to grab second in his last start against allowance company at Parx on June 3.

His last trip to the winner’s circle came two starts back, sitting off the early pace and taking the lead in the stretch, winning an optional claiming event by a length and a quarter at Laurel on April 21.

This will be Just Call Kenny’s 10th start over the Monmouth Park main track in his career. He was last seen at the Jersey Shore in last year’s Majestic Light Stakes where he finished fifth behind Grade 1 winner Bradester. His lone win came when he broke his maiden at first asking as a 2-year-old in 2013.

The son of the Green Dancer mare Green Jeans hasn’t worked since his latest run. His last work came on May 28 when he went four furlongs over Monmouth dirt in :53 2/5.

“This is a step up for him, but he seems ready for it,” said McBurney. “We’ll sit just off the speed and let Nik (jockey Juarez) get him settled and try to get a good trip.”

To notch his first graded stakes, Just Call Kenny will have to get by two from Todd Pletcher’s barn who have already had success in graded company. Far From Over, who is making his first start off a 10-month layoff, won the Grade 3 Withers Stakes at Aqueduct in 2015 and Donegal Moon scored a win in last year’s Grade 3 Pegasus Stakes at Monmouth.

The Salvator Mile is set to go as race 10 on Saturday’s 11-race card. Gates will open at 11:30 a.m and first post is scheduled for 12:50 p.m.

FAN FAVORITE FATHER’S DAY SUNDAY, JUNE 18 AT MONMOUTH

One of the most anticipated days of the summer meet, Father’s Day, will be celebrated at Monmouth Park Sunday, June 18 with a whole host of activities and giveaways to entertain Dads and the whole family.

All gentlemen will receive a $2 betting voucher with paid admission as well as an entry blank to win tickets to local sporting events, including baseball, football, basketball and a package for Monmouth Park’s signature event, the $1 million betfair.com Haskell Invitational on Sunday, July 30. Entries can be brought to either of the two Welcome Centers, located at the finish line or in the Picnic Area, before race 5 (no purchase necessary). Winners must pick up tickets by July 16.

The Turf Club will offer a special Father’s Day Brunch. The cost is $55 for adults with half price for children under 12-years-old. To make reservations, call 732-229-2100.

Also on tap will be the Father’s Day Beer Garden, offering $5 Craft Beer Specials under the Grandstand overhang.

New to the agenda this year will be a Father’s Day Game Area, which will include Derby Race Inflatable, Quarterback Blitz and miniature golf setup. And on Sunday, and every Sunday, it’s Family Fun Day, with clowns, pony rides, face painters and a bounce house to entertain the kids.

The day’s live racing action will be headlined by the Grade 3, $100,000 Pegasus Stakes for 3-year-olds. Gates open on Sunday at 11:30 a.m. first post 12:50 p.m.