Geeky Gorgeous takes Regret for second time

OCEANPORT, N.J. - Saturday was Ladies’ Day at Monmouth Park with a fashion show and festivities for the women in attendance. Fittingly, the feature was a stakes for females, the Regret for fillies and mares going six furlongs.

Unfortunately, the race fell apart. There were only four runners after four scratches cut the field in half.

Geeky Gorgeous, the 1-2 favorite, rolled to a formful win, beating 7-5 second choice Salamera by 4 1/2 lengths.

It was the first win in three starts this season for Danny Lopez’s 5-year-old homebred.

Geeky Gorgeous was steadily rounding back into form. She was fourth in her first start of the year, an overnight stakes at Delaware Park. Next up was the Red Cross Stakes here, and a rallying third. The progression continued in her repeat victory in the Regret.

Geeky Gorgeous emerged with the lead midway on the turn from a three-horse scramble and gradually widened her advantage.

The only drama was an objection filed by Paco Lopez, the rider of Salamera, against the winner. Salamera steadied slightly on the turn as Geeky Gorgeous brushed past to take command. The stewards dismissed the foul claim after a brief review.

Geeky Gorgeous improved her record to 8-3-4 in 16 starts at Monmouth.

“She always runs good here and today was no different,” Lopez said.

Geeky Gorgeous earned a $15,000 New Jersey-bred Enhancement bonus for winning in open company, pushing her winnings for the day to $60,000 while raising the value of the stakes to $86,500.

Angel Serpa was aboard for the six furlongs in 1:09.67 on the fast track.

Ms. Cruisen’ was third, followed by Who Needs.