Money Multiplier scores repeat in Monmouth Stakes

OCEANPORT, N.J. – Money Multiplier turned in a gritty performance to win the Grade 2 Monmouth Stakes for the second year in a row on Saturday at Monmouth Park. And, when he returned to the winner’s circle, he was so full of energy it looked like he was ready to do it all over again.

Money Multiplier does some of his best work at Monmouth. Saturday’s race was his third start here and, in addition to his two wins in the 1 1/8-mile Monmouth, he finished a close second in the Grade 1 United Nations in 2016 for trainer Chad Brown.

“He certainly likes the course,” Brown said.

In 2017, the $200,000 Monmouth was held at the end of July on the Haskell Invitational undercard and Brown sent Money Multiplier to the Grade 1 Sword Dancer for his next start. This year, returned to its more traditional spot on the calendar, Brown will consider taking another run at the 1 3/8-mile United Nations on June 30.

“I’m not sure what we’re going to do with him next, but sending him back down for the U.N. is a possibility,” he said.

Frostmourne set a comfortable pace in the Monmouth, going a quarter in 24.55 seconds and a half in 47.71 with Money Multiplier stalking in second under Joe Bravo. Money Multiplier moved up outside Frostmourne nearing the far turn and the two fought for the lead into the stretch.

In midstretch, Projected, who also races for Brown, launched a rail bid while Divisidero loomed a danger from well out in the track. In the end Money Multiplier proved strongest by three-quarters of a length over Divisidero.

It was another half-length back to Projected in third. Frostmourne finished fourth, a half-length behind Projected.

Money Multiplier paid $10 in the five-horse field. He was timed in 1:46.79, following a mile in 1:34.91, and got a 103 Beyer Speed Figure.

“He’s a beast,” Bravo said of Money Multiplier. “He deserves everything he gets. If he gets beat, he’s always right there. He’s a Grade 1 horse.”

One reason Money Multiplier may have been an overlay is because his last race was a third-place finish in the $1 million Emir’s Trophy in Qatar. Klaravich Stable sold Money Multiplier last fall to Al Shahania Stud, who targeted the February race. He was then sent back to Brown.

“Since traveling back, he’s done well,” Brown said. “He really showed his constitution. I have a lot of respect for this horse.”

Money Multiplier, a 6-year-old son of Lookin At Lucky, is now 5 for 22 in his career with more than $1.2 million in earnings.