Finance Master in cozy spot

OCEANPORT, N.J. - Finance Master could be a shrewd investment Thursday in the $47,500 feature for New Jersey-breds at Monmouth Park.

The one mile and 70-yard race is wide open, which is typical when New Jersey-breds run long in a first-level allowance.

The schedule for statebreds at Monmouth is dominated by sprints. A two-turn race will attract a mixed bag, like this field of 12. One other horse, Dream Ending, is on the also-eligible list.

Finance Master, 3, could be the value play. He is making his third start of the season. His first race this year was a sprint at this same level, and he faded to eighth.

"He got a little tired the first time out," said trainer Russell Cash.

Finance Master also faded in his second start, but it was more excusable since he was going long for the first time and facing open company in a starter allowance. He pressed the pace and finished fifth.

This could be a cozier spot back with New Jersey-breds.

"I'm hoping he'll take to the distance and that he's ready to run good," Cash said.

Eddie King, Jr. has the return call.

While Finance Minister could be a fair price, Don't Question is the likely favorite with leading rider Joe Bravo aboard for trainer Frankie Costa.

Don't Question, 4, has come back strong this season. After failing to win his maiden in seven starts last year, he launched this season with a

rallying third and then won a sprint last time out by three widening lengths.

Officer One also faced open company going long last time, running third, but the competition was a modest $5,000 claimer. Trainer Peter Kazamias removes the blinkers from Officer One, who has just 2 wins in 30 lifetime starts.

Road Not Traveled should appreciate the return to a route. He was no factor at 75-1 in a statebred allowance sprint in his season debut. Distance will help this 3-year-old son of Defrere, who won his maiden in a one-mile race at the Meadowlands last October.

Corvo is 0 for 12 at Monmouth but has a history of hitting the board in statebred routes.

Owner Gerry Sleeter sends out an entry of Gateman and About Noon. Each is making his second start of the year after opening the season in a sprint.