Defrerest of All ready to jump up

OCEANPORT, N.J. - Defrerest of All has been zeroing in on a second-level New Jersey-bred allowance win at Monmouth Park.

He has an excellent chance finally to hit the target Thursday in the $52,000 feature at one mile and 70 yards.

The race drew only six runners, with Defrerest of All landing post 5 with Carlos Marquez Jr. getting the return call from trainer Mary Hartmann.

This will be the fourth start of the season for the gray 4-year-old colt. He began the season here in June, sprinting in the slop. That 15 1/4-length loss was a needed tightener that set the stage for a pair of second-place finishes in two-turn races.

"We had to get him going and give him a race," Hartmann said. "He just can't sprint. That's more the issue with him than the track condition."

The next outing was much better, a pacesetting effort in the mud where he held on for second.

Defrerest of All was back on the lead again on July 4, missing by only a neck while finally catching a fast track.

His Beyer Speed Figures of 78 and 80 in his last two races make him the one to beat Thursday.

"His last couple have been good," Hartmann said. "He just quite hasn't closed the deal yet. I'm hoping he gets the job done here. I'm with this spot. The field is short. It's a good spot for him."

Both Max Hazard and Quepos are stepping up from first-level statebred wins.

Max Hazard, favored in all four starts this season, finally delivered a victory. Bumped after the start, Max Hazard settled into a good stalking position before opening up on the pace turning for home. He pulled away to a four-length win. Eddie Castro again rides for trainer Pat McBurney.

Quepos will stretch out for the first time. The colt trained by Sharon Huston is on a two-race winning streak. He dug in gamely for his maiden win here in May before stepping up confidently to draw off to a first-level score on July 5. As usual, Elvis Trujillo will ride.

Themanmythnlegend also comes into the race in good form. He rallied for a first-level win in late June before finishing third behind Defrerest of All most recently. Shannon Uske rides for trainer Lloyd Kromann.

King Bling, who has been running on the turf at Delaware Park, and Shipwreckstreasure complete the field.