Dubleo victorious in Continental Mile

OCEANPORT, N.J. - Dubleo took command early and held off the rally from United by a neck to win the $55,000 Continental Mile for 2-year-olds Sunday at Monmouth Park.

Dubleo ($2.80), part of a three-horse entry from trainer Todd Pletcher, stopped the clock in 1:38.63 over the firm turf course. Entry mate Arcturus was third.

Dubleo, ridden by Chris DeCarlo, broke sharpest from the gate and was never headed. They held a clear lead around the course and enjoyed a three-length advantage turning for home.

"He broke good and Todd told me that if he broke on top, I should just let him go on because he has so much natural speed," said DeCarlo.

United, with Julian Pimentel aboard, was in stalking position throughout and was the only closer to offering a meaningful challenge. United persistently narrowed the gap but Dubleo had enough reserve to preserve his third straight win.

Dubleo launched the streak at Colonial Downs and took the off-the-turf Chenery Stakes in his prior outing. The Continental Mile was his first race around two turns.

* Stormy Roman, a hard-luck loser in his last two stakes at Monmouth, turned the tables to win the $60,000 Bob Harding Stakes at one mile on the turf.

Stormy Roman ($10.60), who lost the Elkwood by neck and the Grade 3 Oceanport Handicap by a head, scored his first win of the season with a three quarters of a length victory over Green Line with Burning Roma third. Stormy Roman was clocked in 136.98.

Alfredo Clemente was aboard for Tim Hills, Monmouth's leading trainer.

"We were hoping for a cleaner trip," said Hills. "He's gotten into trouble in his last couple, nothing that was the jockey's fault, just turf racing. This is redemption."

Clemente let Stormy Roman settle along the inside before launching the winning move with a six-wide sweep turning for home.