Historically speaking, Joya Real has edge in Honey Bee
In each of the past two summers, Joya Real won a small stakes sprinting on turf at Monmouth Park in the second start of her form cycle. So, if you believe that history repeats itself, then the 7-year-old Joya Real is destined to do well in Saturday’s $60,000 Honey Bee Stakes, a 5 1/2-furlong turf sprint for fillies and mares.
Joya Real is one of three horses entered by trainer Kathleen DeMasi in the Honey Bee, which drew seven for the turf, plus Four Inch Heels for the main track only. Joya Real will be making her second start of the season following a runner-up finish in The Very One at Pimlico three weeks ago. She owns a 3-for-5 record on Monmouth’s turf course, including wins at 5 1/2 furlongs in the Fort Monmouth in 2014 and the Blue Sparkler last August.
The chief competition for Joya Real should come from Indian Splendor, who has three wins and a second in four starts over Monmouth’s turf course, and Forest Funds, 6 for 12 on turf, including a 2-for-3 record this year.
Honey Bee, Race 11
KEY CONTENDERS
Joya Real, by Eddington
Last 3 Beyers: 91-87-88
◗ She simply looks faster than her rivals. The only question is how well she will perform while returning in 21 days. Her previous two stakes wins at Monmouth came following breaks of 34 and 41 days.
Indian Splendor, by Indian Ocean
Last 3 Beyers: 87-86-74
◗ She was only a length behind Joya Real in the $200,000 Turf Amazon last September despite stumbling at the start, and she could be the speed of the speed.
Forest Funds, by Forestry
Last 3 Beyers: 83-80-83
◗ This 5-year-old mare has been off since winning a third-level optional $40,000 claimer at Laurel Park on April 24. Her lone win at Monmouth came last August in a first-level optional $20,000 claimer.
Sunnysammi, by First Defence
Last 3 Beyers: 84-83-83
◗ She has solid form in her six starts on turf, but she will be stepping up to stakes competition for the first time and makes her first appearance at Monmouth.