Brown may have three for New York Stakes

ELMONT, N.Y. – In 2018, trainer Chad Brown ran 1-2 in the New York Stakes. In 2016, his runners finished 1-2-3 in the 1 1/4-mile stakes for females on turf.

Brown figures to be loaded again for this year’s renewal of the Grade 2, $600,000 New York on June 7 with the trio of Homerique, Competitionofideas, and Santa Monica.

Homerique made a successful U.S. debut Saturday, outfinishing Competitionofideas by a neck to win the Grade 3, $200,000 Beaugay at Belmont.

At 1 1/16-miles, the Beaugay was a bit shorter than Homerique’s best distance. In France last year, she won a Group 3 at 1 1/4 miles. On Saturday, Homerique showed a strong turn of foot, closing from fifth in a field of six off a slow pace to get the victory. She ran 1 1/16 miles in 1:44.76 and was assigned a Beyer Speed Figure of 96.

Competitionofideas closed well on the inside and finished a clear second in her first start since winning the Grade 1 American Oaks at 1 1/4 miles last December at Santa Anita. The New York is also run at 1 1/4 miles.

Those two figured to be joined by Santa Monica, who on May 4 won the Grade 2 Sheepshead Bay at 1 3/8 miles.

Meanwhile, Rushing Fall and Rymska, the 1-2 finishers in the Grade 1 Jenny Wiley at Keeneland returned to the worktab Saturday at Belmont. The pair went a half-mile in company in 50.72 seconds.

Rushing Fall is targeting the Grade 1 Just a Game at Belmont on June 8. Rymska is likely headed to the Grade 1 Gamely at Santa Anita on May 27.