Monmouth postpones Cliff Hanger, Miss Liberty to May 30 due to 'inclement weather'

Monmouth Park will postpone two $100,000 turf stakes this weekend because of “inclement weather.” The Cliff Hanger Stakes and Miss Liberty Stakes, which were scheduled to run on Saturday, May 23, and Sunday, May 24, will instead be run on Saturday, May 30, alongside the $100,000 Jersey Derby.

The track drew its Saturday card before it made the announcement regarding poor weather conditions, leaving the Cliff Hanger off the card. Both stakes are set at 1 1/16 miles, with the Cliff Hanger running with 3-year-olds and up and the Miss Liberty featuring fillies and mares.

Both races have significant implications for the Haskell Stakes card at Monmouth on July 18, which will include eight stakes races and a combined $2.95 million in purse money. The winner of the Cliff Hanger earns an automatic berth in the Grade 2, $500,000 United Nations, while the winner of the Miss Liberty gets an automatic berth in the Grade 2, $300,000 Matchmaker.

Pending approval from the New Jersey Racing Commission, Monmouth officials are seeking the opportunity to create an all-turf pick 3 wager featuring the three stakes on May 30. The $3 bet will feature a 15-percent takeout.

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