He's So Chic gets fresh start

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - The final week of the Meadowlands meet kicks off Monday with an eight-race card topped by a solid feature, a third-level optional $50,000 claiming race.

Six of the eight runners in the six-furlong race have competed in stakes races this season. He's So Chic, one of those stakes campaigners, will be making his first start for a new barn.

A 5-year-old previously trained by Jason Servis, He's So Chic was claimed last time out by trainer Terri Pompay for $32,000. He is in for the $50,000 tag in this spot, looking to extend his winning streak to three.

The fresh claim brings an impressive resume to his new barn. He's So Chic was second last year to standout sprinter Fabulous Strike in the Fall Highweight Handicap at Aqueduct.

He has had a solid campaign in 2009, finishing fourth in the Grade 3 Mr. Prospector Stakes at Gulfstream Park in January while also turning in a pair of thirds in the Decathlon and the Teddy Drone, both at Monmouth Park.

He hit his best stride in his last two races while dropping back into optional company for the claiming tag. He's So Chic turned in standout Beyer Speed Figures of 98 and 90 in the victories. He will be very tough once again if he muster another Beyer in that range.

Paco Lopez, aboard for the two wins, retains the mount.

Although he lost He's So Chic to the claim, Servis still has a top contender in Beacon Hill Road, a 3-year-old who finished third last time out in a similar race as the 3-2 favorite.

Beacon Hill Road is another runner in the field with extensive stakes experience. He captured the off-the-turf Anderson Fowler in the slop at Monmouth in June.

Jose Lezcano will be aboard.

Top Seed is the only horse exiting a stakes, but that was back in April. A 3-year-old, Top Seed hits the comeback trail for Maryland-based trainer Michael Trombetta. The winner of the Inaugural Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs last December, Top Seed hasn't been out since finishing sixth in the Blue N Gold Stakes at Charles Town.

Gabriel Saez will ride.

If the early pace is blazing, look for Who's the Cowboy to come running late. The veteran New Jersey-bred trained by Kevin Sleeter has a solid history at the Big M, hitting the board in seven of nine races here.

Daniel Centeno has the mount.