Mary's Follies takes Boiling Springs in turf debut

OCEANPORT, N.J. - Mary's Follies, making her turf debut, got a ground-saving ride from Stewart Elliott to score a half-length win in the for 3-year-old fillies Saturday at Monmouth Park.

Breaking from the rail, Mary's Follies ($15.40) took the inside route as Platinum Girl and Sandi's Ready set the pace. Turning for home, Elliott angled Mary's Follies around the tiring Platinum Girl before shifting back inside for the run to the wire.

"First time on the grass, I really didn't know what to expect," Elliott said. "She took right to the grass and had me in a close position. We just had to wait for some room. When we got it, she took off."

The filly had never been worse than third in her previous five dirt races. Trainer John Forbes hoped her pedigree would ease the surface transition.

"Stewart rode a terrific race," Forbes said. "Being a More Than Ready, we thought she might like the grass. She's done everything we've asked."

Forbes is uncertain what comes next.

"This really opens a whole new door for this horse," Forbes said. "We'll have to sit down and map out a plan with her. She certainly seemed to like the turf and, right now, I can't say whether she'll stay on turf or not."

Kiawah Cat made a strong late run from last in the eight-horse field to get second, with Obsequious third.

Sandi's Ready was fourth followed by My Magic Moment, Bluegrass Princess, Blind Date, and Platinum Girl.

Blind Date, winner of her previous three races, was hung wide for much of the race as the 2-1 favorite.

"I didn't really like the trip we got," said jockey Jeremy Rose. "She's a much better filly than she showed today. She was on her toes but she may have just had one of those days."

The time was 1:41.21 for 1 1/16 miles on the good course.