Mominou goes gate to wire in Caress Stakes upset

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – After looking the field over for Sunday’s $200,000 Caress Stakes, one thing became clear to trainer Jimmy Toner regarding his strategy for Mominou in the turf dash for fillies and mares.

“I thought there was some speed in the race, but the more I looked at it, I knew we could be the main speed and I thought the only shot we were going to have was just to go for it,” said Toner, who trains Mominou for owner Sean Shay.

And Toner’s plan to put Mominou on the lead paid dividends after the 4-year-old daughter of Congrats led throughout to register a 1 1/4-length decision over Fire Key in the 5 1/2-furlong Caress.

Jockey Kendrick Carmouche broke Mominou alertly and wasted little time getting her to the front while stalked by Factorofwon from the outset. Mominou shook free of her early pursuer upon settling into the stretch, kicked further away when roused near the furlong grounds, and was never seriously threatened thereafter.

Fire Key raced forwardly placed outside horses, continued willingly down the lane, but could not gain significantly on the winner at the end. It was another three-quarters of a length further back to Broadway Run and Morticia, who finished in a dead heat for third.

Morticia, the even-money favorite, suffered through an eventful trip steadying in traffic several times before rallying belatedly once clear at the end.

Mominou completed 5 1/2 furlongs over a firm course in 1:01.54 and paid $61.50.

“It’s a great way to start the meet,” Toner said, referring to the fact Mominou was the first horse he’s saddled at the session. “I knew she was really fresh and doing well. Kendrick got her out fast, and I could see he was on his bicycle all the way. When they turn into the lane you’re always thinking ‘Here they come,’ but she had another gear and kicked in again. I was really proud of her today.”