OCEANPORT, N.J. - Welcome back Chuckie. Chuckie Lopez made a triumphant return to Monmouth Park on Friday, winning two races, including the $74,500 Elkwood Stakes in the slop aboard Slim Shadey. Lopez, a long-time fixture in New Jersey, had been riding in Indiana in recent seasons. Trainer David Jacobson offered Lopez a window to return, and the leading rider here in 1998 leapt at the opportunity. “I can’t tell you how fast I closed up shop to come back home,” said Lopez, sporting an ear-to-ear grin. “I liked it in Indiana, but it’s a little less than what I’m used to. I love Monmouth Park, and I’m so happy to be back.” Lopez, 54, last rode here October 2012. The Elkwood was an interesting lead-in stakes to the bigger events of the weekend, including the Grade 1 United Nations on Sunday, until race was rained off the turf, and it fell apart. It dwindled down to a five-horse field, including the entry of Slim Shadey and Spa City Fever for Jacobson, leaving only four betting interests. Lopez built a career on his ability to ride speed horses, and he showcased that talent once again. Lopez hustled Slim Shadey into an early speed duel after absorbing an early bump. They duked it out with Saucy Don as Joe Tess, the 4-5 favorite, sat third in the garden spot. “He quickly got into the mix and from there, he pulled me around the racetrack,” Lopez said. That old Lopez magic was there once more as Slim Shadey took charge turning for home, sprinting away to a 2 3/4 length win over Midnight Cello. The entry paid $6 to win. The time was 1:36.90 for a mile on the sealed track. It was the sixth win in 37 starts for the British bred 6-year-old Slim Shadey. The Elkwood was Slim Shadey’s first victory since taking the Grade 2 San Marcos Stakes at Santa Anita in the spring of 2013. He had lost 10 straight until the Elkwood. Saucy Don was fourth, followed by Spa City Fever, who was cross-entered in the Grade 3 Salvator Mile here on Sunday. Lochte, an Elkwood scratch, remains an entrant in the U.N.