Green Up cruises to front-running victory in Boiling Springs
Green Up, carrying the green and red silks of Team Valor International, remained unbeaten since Team Valor bought her last spring, winning her stakes debut Sunday at Monmouth Park in the $100,000 Boiling Springs Stakes.
Second in her career debut in May of her 2-year-old season, Green Up was purchased shortly thereafter but didn’t race for Team Valor and trainer Todd Pletcher until this past March 13. Upon her return, she easily won a six-furlong maiden sprint, following that about five weeks later with a comfortable one-turn-mile, first-level allowance victory.
Racing around two turns for the first time and returning from another layoff, this one about 10 weeks, Green Up proved much the best Sunday under Paco Lopez. The Boiling Springs, restricted to 3-year-old fillies over one mile and 70 yards on dirt, lost Gina Romantica, Love to Run, and Morning Matcha when scratches were announced, leaving just a four-horse field. Green Up clearly was the lone speed of the remaining quartet, but bettors still made her the 3-2 second choice behind 2-5 favorite Radio Days. That was a mistake.
Green Up broke awkwardly but was guided between horses and onto an easy lead by Lopez, setting splits of 24.77 and 49.26. Radio Days came wide onto the far turn and tried to make a race of it, but Lopez floated her out past the quarter pole and approaching the homestretch and Green Up quickly kicked clear of the favorite, drawing steadily away to win by 5 3/4 lengths. She clocked 1:40.93 over a fast track and paid $5. Radio Days had three lengths on Captainsdaughter as Alittleloveandluck brought up the rear.
Green Up, a smooth-striding scopey filly, is by Upstart out of Green Punch, by Two Punch. She’s a candidate for the Monmouth Oaks on July 31.