Frank's Folly tries turf in wide-open Boiling Springs

Nine 3-year-old fillies bring anything but straightforward form to the $75,000 Boiling Springs at Monmouth Park on Saturday, and the 1 1/16-mile turf race will give handicappers plenty to think about.

The 85 Beyer Speed Figure recorded by Frank’s Folly in her 8 3/4-length optional-claiming victory June 24 is by far the highest in the field, but can she repeat it? That front-running effort came from out of the blue for the Kelly Breen trainee and was accomplished over a “good” main track. The Boiling Springs will be her first turf race.

Lipstick City was second in a Monmouth allowance in her last start for Chad Brown. She finished well but belatedly and missed catching lone-speed longshot Cool by a half-length. Lipstick City is a top contender in the Boiling Springs but is 1 for 5 in her career.

Majestic Bonnie began her career in promising style last summer for George Weaver, winning a 1 1/16-mile turf race at Saratoga in her debut and then finishing third to Coasted in the P.G. Johnson Stakes. But she finished eighth while making her 3-year-old debut in a Belmont Park allowance race, and while she should improve Saturday, it is hard to guess just how much.

Contributing, trained by Tom Proctor, has raced well in three of four starts, but those efforts all came in turf sprints. In her lone two-turn start, she finished eighth. She will be stretching out in distance off an optional-claiming win at five furlongs.

Boiling Springs, Race 10

Key Contenders

Lipstick City, by City Zip
Last 3 Beyers: 76-71-69

◗ Her allowance races at Gulfstream Park and Keeneland this year came against tough competition. Contributing, Frank’s Folly, and Romantic Music should set a reasonable pace for her to close into.

Contributing, by Medaglia d’Oro
Last 3 Beyers: 77-66-63

◗ Although the added distance will be tricky, she has two good turf-sprint efforts under her belt this year and has shown the ability to come from off the pace.

Frank’s Folly, by Mineshaft
Last 3 Beyers: 85-70-53

◗ Her last three races have all been over wet tracks, suggesting that she may be able to transition to turf. If she is left alone on the lead, she could be difficult to reel in late.

Bertranda, by Boys At Tosconova
Last 3 Beyers: 73-72-57

◗ She will be a longshot, but she outran her odds when third in the Christiana Stakes at Delaware Park last out while making her grass and two-turn debut.