He's Got Grit romps in Sapling

OCEANPORT, N.J. - Unbeaten He's Got Grit romped to a 8 1/4-length victory in the Grade 3, $150,000 Saturday at Monmouth Park.

A gelded son of Songandaprayer who is trained by Steve Asmussen, He's Got Grit extended his winning streak to three in Monmouth's premier event for 2-year-olds.

He won first time out for a claiming tag at Churchill Downs and made a smooth transition to stakes company with a victory in the Tyro, Monmouth's Sapling prep.

He's Got Grit ($7.60) ran the six furlongs in 1:09.69 over the fast track.

He's Got Grit broke well under Aaron Gryder and took charge early. Ballado Dancer chased in second with Diabolical, the 3-5 favorite, third.

Rounding the turn, Confront ranged up to mount a challenge but He's Got Grit cut the corner smartly and easily pulled away.

"He's a little colt but he's got a high gallop," Gryder said. "He really accelerated for me coming off the turn and I knew they'd be in trouble from there."

Diabolical, at one point shuffled to fifth, came on again to out-bob Confront for the place spot.

The Village Vicar was scratched, reducing the field to six.

"He popped a temperature," said trainer Jim Ryerson of the fifth-place finisher in the Tyro Stakes.

Also on he card, Career Oriented ($5.80) extended her winning streak to four as she wore down the pacesetting Lady Dynasty to win the $60,000 Miss Woodford Stakes for 3-year-old fillies.

Career Oriented, making her stakes debut, ran the six furlongs in 1:10.31 with Chris DeCarlo aboard.

Turf racing canceled

Monmouth canceled turf racing for Saturday and Sunday after track officials and jockeys walked the course Saturday morning.

"There are a few spots that are very soft because of the lack of growth," said racing secretary Mike Dempsey. "There are spots on the turns that are inconsistent."

The course will be watered and the temporary rail moved out from the hedge in an attempt to salvage grass racing over the next two weeks.

Turf racing is scheduled to conclude on Labor Day. The course will then be torn up and replaced in preparation for the 2007 Breeders' Cup.