Bern Identity comes off 20-month layoff to win My Frenchman Stakes

OCEANPORT, N.J. – Bern Identity came off a nearly 20-month layoff and the main-track-only list to win the rained-off $56,400 My Frenchman Stakes on Saturday at Monmouth Park.

The surface switch to sloppy main track reduced the field to five and put Bern Identity back in action.

He rolled to 4 1/4-length win over Heaven’s Runway in his first start since finishing fifth in the 2013 Holy Bull Stakes at Gulfstream Park.

Chuckie Lopez was aboard the 4-year-old for trainer Kelly Breen.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve sat on something that good,” said Lopez. “I didn’t think we’d be up that close early, but he was ready to go right from go. At the quarter pole, I stepped on the gas, and he just took off. I was super impressed.”

Bern Identity paid $7.40 as the 5-2 second choice.

The time was 1:03.26 for the 5 1/2 furlongs.

Last Heartbreaker was third, followed by Partyallnightlong and Carried Interest.