Mare On Fire gets turf reboot at Monmouth
OCEANPORT, N.J. – Mare On Fire displayed unexpected dimensions in her turf debut that will come in handy in the $36,000 allowance feature for fillies and mares Friday at Monmouth Park. Mare On Fire drew the outside post in the nine-horse field going 1 1/16 miles on turf, weather permitting.
The Jersey Shore was hit with a torrential midweek downpour that dumped several inches of rain on the region. Hopefully, the course will dry out by Friday to keep the race on the grass.
Trainer Pat McBurney wants to see Mare On Fire back on turf, especially after the unusual running line last month in her first try on grass. Mare On Fire, a 3-year-old, showed speed for the first time in her six-race career and set a moderate pace before a rival muscled past to grab the lead.
Mare On Fire, with Ramon Moya aboard, seemed to lose interest at that point and looked like she was done for the day.
That was only an illusion. Mare On Fire found another gear in the lane and came charging home to miss by only three-quarters of a length in her best effort so far.
“I was really scratching my head,” McBurney said. “After watching the replay and talking to the jock, the winner tightened it up on her around the three-eighths pole, and he didn’t feel he had enough room to be up in there. That’s why she dropped back. When she got clear, she came running again. It was a very strange race, but we hope she can repeat that.”
KEY CONTENDERS
Mare On Fire (Last 3 Beyers: 75-51-45)
Took a huge Beyer Speed Figure leap in her turf debut, closing for second after holding the lead for a half-mile.
Outside post would have been a concern in the past, given her dropback style in five dirt races. This race lacks speed on paper, giving Mare On Fire a clear shot to dictate her own fractions.
Subpoena (Last 3 Beyers: 76-67-67)
A consistent Beyer profile makes her a factor. The major downside: The 6-year-old rarely wins. Subpoena is 3 for 36 and is winless in six tries this season.
While she is camera shy, Subpoena is hard to leave off your tickets. She has finished second four times this year and has hit the board 19 times in her career.