Gonzalez takes two shots in featured route

OCEANPORT, N.J. – Trainer Claudio Gonzalez has a pair of speedy contenders for the $41,400, third-level optional $50,000 claimer that pinch hits as the Saturday feature at Monmouth Park.

The race at one mile and 70 yards was elevated to top billing when the Grade 3, $100,000 Boiling Springs Stakes for 3-year-old fillies on turf did not fill. The racing office will try to revive the Boiling Springs for the Labor Day card.

Romp City and Going to Market, the two Gonzalez runners, are both 5-year-old geldings in for the tag and landed the inside and outside posts. Romp City breaks from the rail, while Going to Market has post 7.

Going to Market could be vulnerable to a bounce, a regression following a career-best effort. He was an overpowering, front-running winner here in late July, scoring by 7 3/4 lengths while earning a 92 Beyer Speed Figure. He paid 9-1 for that victory, a very juicy payoff considering the multiple angles at play: a class drop for one of the meet’s leading trainers while switching from turf to dirt.

Romp City has been a solid addition to the barn since a $16,000 claim in April at Pimlico. He has a win and a trio of seconds in the four races since the barn change.

11th Race

KEY CONTENDERS

Going to Market (Last 3 Beyers: 92-57-78)

◗ He owns the best last-race Beyer, a front-running romp on the class drop and switch from turf to dirt. This spot, however, is two levels higher. While four of his six career wins have come on turf, he has a win, two seconds, and a third in his last four outings on the main track.

Snake Pit (Last 3 Beyers: 86-74-66)

◗ Although based at Belmont Park for trainer Chad Brown, Snake Pit hit the road for his last two races. He was third here on opening day and most recently took a second-level allowance at Parx Racing. The Beyers are on the upswing for the 4-year-old colt as Brown looks for some Monmouth magic. He is only 1 for 14 here this season.

Spa City Fever (Last 3 Beyers: 73-75-87)

◗ The 8-year-old New York-bred gelding is the leading money winner in the field with $559,618 in the bank. He has been freshened by trainer David Jacobson since running a poor fifth here in the Elkwood Stakes on July 4 over a sloppy track.