Count de Monet's connections mull sprint vs. longer for next start

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. - Undefeated Count de Monet's connections are debating whether the winner of the Advent Stakes on Friday at Oaklawn will remain sprinting or move to two turns for his next start, according to trainer Tom Swearingen.

Swearingen said Saturday that the races under consideration for Count de Monet are both at Oaklawn. The $150,000 Renaissance for 2-year-olds at six furlongs is Dec. 31 and the $250,000 Smarty Jones for 3-year-olds at a mile is Jan. 1. The latter race carries eligibility points for the Kentucky Derby.

Count de Monet ran his career record to 3 for 3 in the Advent, a 5 1/2-furlong race for 2-year-olds that was run in the mud. For his stakes debut, Count de Monet earned a career-high Beyer Speed Figure of 85.

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“The horse came out of the race well and everything is picture-perfect,” Swearingen said. “We don’t know how far he’ll go. He acts like he’ll run on a little bit farther. He seems to like this track. We’ll stay right here at Oaklawn and probably pursue the Renaissance or the Smarty Jones.”

Count de Monet began his career in August, winning a maiden special weight sprint at Horseshoe Indiana. One start later, he won a first-level allowance sprint at the same track, on Sept. 29. Count de Monet is a son of Speightster who races for Charles Galli.

“He’s a real professional horse,” Swearingen said.

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