In the Monmouth Stakes (G3) on Saturday, Catnip rallied for a half-length victory over Never Explain, as multiple Grade 1 winner Tribhuvan showed the rust from a lengthy layoff by fading to fourth after setting soft early fractions in the nine-furlong grass race.
Ridden by Joel Rosario, Catnip improved to 3-for-3 as a 4-year-old – and since being gelded – in winning the Monmouth Stakes for trainer Michael Stidham in an oddly run race that saw the rider's patience pay off.
Speaking Scout was third, a length back in the six-horse field.
Time was 1:47.40 on a course rated as firm.
“He always had the potential,” said Stidham of Catnip ($14.40), who earned his first graded win. “We ran him in the Virginia Derby (G3) (last year) and it was probably a little premature where he was mentally and physically. So after he had time off before he came back this year we gelded him and that has really helped a lot. He hasn't lost since then. Mentally, he's a little more relaxed, a little more focused, and just a better racehorse.”
Catnip's win gave owners-breeders Susan and John Moore free entry and start fees to the $600,000 United Nations (G1) on Haskell Day, July 22.
“We'll certainly be looking next in the direction of the United Nations,” said Stidham.
Bred in Kentucky, Catnip is a 4-year-old son of Kitten's Joy out of the Silent Name mare Masquerade.
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