Monmouth Park: Ribo Bobo runs win streak to seven in Icecapade Stakes

OCEANPORT, N.J. – Jason Servis liked Ribo Bobo so much, he claimed him twice over the winter at Gulfstream Park.

The trainer’s confidence in the 5-year-old gelding was rewarded when Ribo Bobo extended his winning streak to seven with a five-length win over Immortal Eyes in the $72,750 Icecapade Stakes at Monmouth Park.

The Labor Day card closed out the core portion of the Monmouth season. Racing continues on a two day schedule – Saturdays and Sundays – through Oct. 6.

The six-furlong Icecapade, the final open stakes of the year in New Jersey, dwindled down to only four runners on the wet-fast track.

Even with a small field, the Icecapade was still an interesting contest. It pitted Rio Bobo – claimed by Servis for $8,000 and lost to a claim in his next start before Servis reclaimed him for keeps for $6,250 – against Immortal Eyes who was 3 for 3 at the meet, including wins in the Mr. Prospector and Teddy Drone Stakes.

He Can Run, winner of two of his last three, and Royal Currier, a multiple stakes winner at Monmouth, completed the field.

Immortal Eyes grabbed the early lead under pressure from He Can Run. Ribo Bobo and jockey Gabriel Saez pounced on the leaders midway on the turn.

Ribo Bobo had the momentum, but Immortal Eyes fought on. It was clear at the top of the stretch that Ribo Bobo was winning this duel.

“He’s a very nice horse,” Saez said. “It was my first time on him and just wanted to sit off the speed a little bit, and he got the job done.”

Immortal Eyes, the 9-10 favorite, held second by a half-length over He Can Run, with Royal Currier the trailer.

Ribo Bobo paid $5.40 to win as the second choice. The time was 1:10.13.