Lady Shipman makes quick work of Klassy Briefcase

Lady Shipman made short work of her competition in the $60,000 Klassy Briefcase Stakes at Monmouth Park on Sunday, striding out beautifully down the stretch to win by 6 1/4 lengths.

Lady Shipman, the only 3-year-old in the field of eight fillies and mares, now is 6 for 8 in her career for trainer Kathleen O’Connell.

Lady Shipman, a daughter of Midshipman, outsprinted Trish’s Wish for the early lead in the about 5 1/2-furlong turf sprint. Jockey Eduardo Nunez rated her on the lead to the stretch. When he asked for her best, Lady Shipman accelerated away from the field to win with ease.

Jewel of a Cat, forwardly placed along the inside to the stretch, finished second, two lengths in front of the 8-5 favorite Joya Real.

Joya Real, typically a deep closer, was much nearer to the pace than usual. She raced three wide on the far turn and lacked her usual punch in the stretch.

Lady Shipman was timed in 1:01.59 and paid $6.60 as the second betting choice. Nunez has been aboard for all of her races.

“I thought she was very awesome today while facing older horses for the first time,” O’Connell said.

In her prior start, Lad Shipman had won the Crank It Up Stakes at Monmouth over 3-year-old fillies. Her record now stands at 8-6-0-2 with earnings of $$218,800.