Monmouth Park Barn Notes for Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018

By Tom Luicci —-

MILE AND A QUARTER STARTER ALLOWANCE, TURF SPRINTS
PART OF VARIETY-FILLED SATURDAY CARD AT MONMOUTH

OCEANPORT, N.J. – Handicappers and racing fans will both appreciate the variety of Monmouth Park’s 12-race Saturday card. Grass, dirt, sprints and routes – even a rare 1¼-mile race on the main track – highlight a program that runs the gamut from a racing standpoint.

A starter allowance that goes as the 7th race is the 1¼-mile offering, with the starting gate located in the chute at the top of the stretch adjacent to the picnic area.

“It’s a very interesting card that offers something for everyone,” said Director of Racing and Racing Secretary John Heims. “It’s possible the last mile and a quarter race run here was the Breeders’ Cup Classic in 2007 won by Curlin, so it’s a nice variation from the norm.

“More than that, we have a few solid maiden special weight turf races, including 2-year-old fillies going long on turf, a sprint stakes that’s part of the MATCH Series and named for one of the top turf sprinting females ever to compete here (Incredible Revenge) and a pair of solid allowance events.

“It’s a very diverse card that should prove to be a popular handicapping challenge and provide great excitement for our fans.”

Excess Capacity, a $300,000 yearling purchase trained by Chad Brown, will make her debut in a field of 2-year-old fillies going six furlongs on the dirt to kick off the card.

A one-mile race maiden special weight race on the grass for 2-year-olds that has drawn a field of 11 follows that. The 4th race for maiden claimers at a mile on the grass has a full field of 12, and the 6h race, an allowance optional claimer at 5½ furlongs on the grass, has 11 listed to go.

There’s also a 5½-furlong grass maiden special weight dash that goes as the 8th race, a one-mile dirt race in the 9th race, a six-furlong allowance in the 11th race and a one-mile maiden special weight grass race for 2-year-olds as the 12th race.

The 8th race has 14 horses entered counting the two main track only entrants.

The $75,000 Incredible Revenge Stakes, part of the Mid-Atlantic Thoroughbred Championships (MATCH), headlines the card. A field of eight will go in the 5½-furlong grass race for fillies and mares, 3-years-old-and-up.

First race post on Saturday is 12:50 p.m.

PICK 6 CARRYOVER AT $219,329 FOR FRIDAY’S CARD

A record Jersey Shore Pick 6 carryover of $219,329 awaits handicappers for Friday’s eight-race card at Monmouth Park, with the 20-cent wager starting in the 3rd race and culminating in the 8th race that day. The Pick 6 was not offered during Thursday’s card, which features three Steeplechase races.
The bet pays out the entire pool only if there is a single winner.
First race post time on Friday is 1:15 p.m.

CIGAR & BOURBON PIG ROAST DEBUTS SATURDAY

On-line tickets and walk-up tickets are still available for the first Cigar & Bourbon Picnic Pig Roast that runs from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday in Monmouth Park’s backside reserved picnic areas.
On-line tickets are $50 and include Grandstand admission, a Monmouth Park program, four (4) bourbon samples, two (2) premium cigars and a picnic pig roast. Walk-up tickets do not include admission or a program.
A cash bar will also be available for beverages. Tickets only include water and bourbon samples as beverages.
The event is limited to 300 guests.
For more information, or to purchase advance tickets, visit www.monmouthpark.com.