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Monomoy Girl Breezes Towards Ruffian

Michael Dubb, Monomoy Stables, The Elkstone Group, and Bethlehem Stables’ Eclipse Award winner Monomoy Girl (Tapizar) breezed a half-mile in company in an easy :49.30 over the Belmont main track Saturday morning as she completed her preparations for the July 11 GII Ruffian S. at Big Sandy.

Partnered with Javier Castellano, the 5-year-old worked in the company of her multiple stakes-winning stablemate A Bit of Both (Paynter) and was timed in splits of :12.30 and :24.40 before galloping out five-eighths of a mile in 1:02.10.

“Today it was a very straightforward work, a half-mile from the half-mile pole with another horse inside. I was outside tracking the other horse,” said Castellano, who was subbing for regular rider Florent Geroux. “She handled the track well. Even at the beginning when we started galloping, she was splashing nice and smooth in a good rhythm, good balance and good mind. These good types of horses, they do that.”

Geroux retains the call for the Ruffian.

A $100,000 Keeneland September yearling purchase, Monomoy Girl won the GI Breeders’ Cup Distaff to cap her championship season at three, her lone blemish coming when she was disqualified to second behind Midnight Bisou (Midnight Lute) in the GI Cotillion S. The chestnut missed her entire 4-year-old season, owing to a bout with colic and later a hamstring injury, but returned to action with a better-than-it-looked 2 3/4-length allowance victory going Churchill’s one-turn mile May 16. Connections bypassed a clash with Midnight Bisou in the GII Fleur de Lis S. last weekend in favor of the Ruffian.

The one-mile event, which carries purse money of $150,000, is the final graded stakes on the abbreviated Belmont stakes schedule. Monomoy Girl won the GI Acorn S. over the same course and trip in 2018.

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Maximum Security to Return in San Diego Handicap

Unraced since crossing the wire first in the Feb. 29 Saudi Cup, Maximum Security (New Year’s Day) will make his next start on July 18 GII San Diego H. at Del Mar.

The story was first reported by the Daily Racing Form.

“He’s doing fantastic,” trainer Bob Baffert said. “We’re pointing for the San Diego and I couldn’t be happier with him.”

The San Diego, a mile-and-a-sixteenth race with a purse of $150,000, is a prep for the GI Pacific Classic on Aug. 13 at Del Mar and Baffert confirmed that that race is also on Maximum Security’s schedule.

Shortly after the Saudi Cup, trainer Jason Servis was indicted for allegedly using performance-enhancing drugs on his horses and owners Gary and Mary West decided to turn the horse over to Baffert.

“I’ve gotten to know him and he’s really nice to be around,” Baffert said. “He’s classy, just a dream to be around.”

Baffert said the Servis situation is something he is not focusing on.

“I really don’t want to get into that,” he said. “I just go by what I see on the racetrack and I see a really good horse when I see him on the racetrack. When I see him train I see a great horse.”

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Laoban Represented By First Winner at Ellis

Ava’s Grace, a filly from the first crop of Laoban, was the second juvenile of the day to provide a son of Uncle Mo with their winner, following Garoppolo, who became the first victor for Outwork Friday at Belmont. Dipatched at 6-1 in this career bow, the bay kept close tabs on the leader from a ground-saving fourth through a :22.96 first quarter. Posing a challenge as the half went up in :46.58, she wore down Sariah Sariah (Tonalist) late to win by a half-length.

Laoban, who was also campaigned by Southern Equine Stables in partnership with McCormick Racing, scored his lone career victory in the 2016 GII Jim Dandy S. He stands in New York at Sequel Farm. The winner’s dam did not produce a foal in 2019, but had a Street Sense filly this year.

7th-Ellis, $20,200, Msw, 7-3, 2yo, f, 5f, :59.38, ft.

AVA’S GRACE (f, 2, Laoban–Cover Girl Elle, by Out of Place) Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $9,600. Click for the Equibase.com chart. O/B-Southern Equine Stables, LLC (KY); T-Robertino Diodoro.

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Limited Spectators for Colonial Downs Meet

Colonial Downs is slated to open for its 18-day stand Monday, July 27, and the turf-centric oval announced Friday that it will cap attendance at 1000 spectators in accordance with third phase of Virginia’s COVID-19 re-opening plan. Spectators will be limited to outdoor areas of the track apron and grandstand; will receive temperature checks upon arrival; must maintain six feet of distance from other attendees; and will be required to wear masks indoors and encouraged to wear them outdoors.

“With the advancement into Phase 3 of Virginia’s reopening plan, and guidance from state and local health authorities, we are anxious to offer this year’s race meeting with limited spectators in a safe and healthful fashion,” said John Marshall, Colonial Downs’ Executive Vice President of Operations. “As we continue to monitor the effects of Covid-19, our top priority this meet is protecting the health and safety of our guests, team and racing participants.”

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