Dark Artist holds on for Boiling Springs triumph

OCEANPORT, N.J. – Dark Artist got the jump on even-money favorite Reversethedecision in the $75,000 Boiling Springs Stakes at Monmouth Park on Saturday and then held her off in the stretch to win by three-quarters of a length.

Dark Artist, a daughter of Paynter, paid $15.60 in the field of 10 3-year-old fillies. She completed 1 1/16 miles over firm turf in 1:41.89 and got a Beyer Speed Figure of 83.
Trained by Jane Cibelli for Goodwood racing VIII, Dark Artist had won a first-level optional claimer on grass in her prior start at Gulfstream Park.

Dark Artist raced in mid-pack, a length or two in front of Reversethedecision, on the backstretch. She lodged a three-wide bid into the stretch under jockey Trevor McCarthy, took the lead in midstretch, and then refused to let Reversethedecision by late.

“I knew she had the talent, it was just whether she was going to behave,” Cibelli said. “She’s been difficult. She’s one of those fillies that’s always been angry.”

So Hi Society, who like Reversethedecision is trained by Chad Brown, finished third, 3 3/4 lengths behind her stablemate.

Reversethedecision was fanned wide leaving the infield chute in the Boiling Springs and settled in sixth position early under jockey Jose Ortiz. She chased the winner into the stretch but lacked the needed closing kick and could not get by.

Reilly Handicap: Full brothers run one-two

The full brothers Brother Chub and Chublicious finished first and second in the $60,000 John J. Reilly Handicap, a six-furlong sprint for New Jersey-breds

Both Brother Chub, 6, and Chublicious, 7, are sons of Hey Chub and out of the Arch mare Sassy Broad.

Chublicious had won the last two editions of the Reilly Handicap. He was the 126-pound highweight in Saturday’s race and conceded five pounds to his less-accomplished sibling.

Chublicious raced on the early pace inside Saucy Don through a quarter-mile in 22.32. They were joined from the outside by J R’s Rhythm on the far turn, and the trio covered a half-mile in 44.95.

Brother Chub raced in fifth position early in the six-horse lineup and went outside horses for the stretch run. He overhauled Chublicious in midstretch under jockey Jose Ortiz and drew off to a 2 1/2-length victory.

Brother Chub paid $5.80 as a close second choice to Chublicious. He was timed in 1:10.06, getting an 86 Beyer Speed Figure.

Mello Groove, the outsider in the field, came from last to finish third, three-quarters of a length behind Chublicious. J R’s Rhythm was fourth.

The Reilly was the first stakes win for Brother Chub, who is owned by Kasey K Racing and Michael Day. Michael Moore is the trainer.
Brother Chub has spent practically all his career in the claiming, allowance, and starter ranks. He is now 11 for 40.