Irish War Cry field short on turf experience
New Jersey-bred Irish War Cry, winner of the 2017 Wood Memorial, never started in a grass race, so, in a way, it makes sense that the $95,000 handicap at Monmouth Park bearing his name is light on proven grass runners.
The Irish War Cry, the ninth race on Saturday, is carded for New Jersey-bred 3-year-olds and up going one mile on grass, yet the nine entrants in the field’s main body have gone just 5 for 65 in their combined turf starts. Royal Urn, second in the 2020 Irish War Cry, which was rained off turf, was entered for the main track only, but the weekend forecast suggests this race stays on grass.
With a record of 2-1-1 from five grass starts, Quiberon Bay is the field’s most proven turf performer, but he also runs back on very short rest, having captured a first-level turf-route allowance race last Saturday. He seems vulnerable coming back so quickly after earning a career-best Beyer Speed Figure.
Paco Lopez rode Quiberon Bay last Saturday, but here ends up on Prendimi, who would fit on dirt but was virtually eased in the lone grass race of his career, back in March 2019 at Tampa Bay Downs.
Ferrin Peterson rode Quiberon Bay in his five previous starts and takes the reins again Saturday. Quiberon Bay carries high weight of 121 pounds.
He’spuregold exits a mere New Jersey-bred maiden win, but he’s the tepid pick to scoop the Irish War Cry. He’spuregold required seven tries to win a maiden race, but it was only in his last start that he tried New Jersey-bred competition. In his six previous races, turf routes at Keeneland, in Florida, and at Monmouth, He’spuregold consistently closed ground with a sustained move, and in his last-start victory he lost considerable ground around the far turn.
He’spuregold was up by only a neck over Kratos, who also is among the Irish War Cry entrants. Kratos, making just his second start, disputed the pace last out and held well, finishing nearly seven lengths clear of the third-place horse. He might appreciate a more relaxed trip stalking the pace rather than contesting the lead, and can’t be counted out despite his lack of even a single victory.
Post time for the Saturday feature is 4:05 p.m. Eastern. First post for a 13-race card heavy on grass contests is 12:15.