Monmouth Park: Flashpoint destroys small field in Jersey Shore Stakes

Flashpoint is just another horse in two-turn races. He finished fourth in the Florida Derby and wound up last of 14 after setting the pace in the Preakness. But put Flashpoint in a sprint, and he looks sensational. On Sunday, at rainy Monmouth Park, he ran his one-turn record to 3 for 3 by thrashing three foes in the Grade 3, $143,000 Jersey Shore Stakes.

Flashpoint ($3.60) won his career debut at Aqueduct by 6 1/4 lengths before capturing the Hutcheson at Gulfstream by 7 1/2 lengths, and he was just as dominant Sunday, beating C J Russell by seven lengths. Chipshot finished third, pacesetting Zero Rate Policy was fourth. Cal Nation, Parent’s Honor, and Royal Currier were scratched.

Flashpoint, a 3-year-old son of Pomeroy owned by Peachtree Stables, was ridden to victory by Cornelio Velasquez. Rick Dutrow trained Flashpoint for his first three starts, but he’s been handled since April by trainer Wesley Ward.

Away alertly, Flashpoint raced just outside Zero Rate Policy in the early going and was caught between horses as Chipshot loomed boldly midway around the far turn. But Zero Rate Policy dropped away at the quarter pole and Flashpoint shrugged off Chipshot in midstretch, drawing away to another easy victory. Winning time for the six furlongs on a muddy track was a strong 1:08.73.

* Romacaca rallied from mid-pack to win the $77,000 Miss Liberty Stakes by a half-length over Champagnelifestyle. Favored Gypsy’s Warning checked in third. Trained by Nick Canani for owner Frank Calabrese, Romacaca was ridden to victory by Paco Lopez. She paid $8.80 to win and was timed in 1:42.36 for 1 1/16 miles over a turf course rated soft.