Monmouth: Street Gem uses different tactics to produce same results in Desert Vixen

OCEANPORT, N.J. - Street Gem won a second straight turf stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Monmouth Park, taking the $66,000 Desert Vixen by 1 1/4 lengths over Jean’s Surprise on Saturday.

Daniel Coa was aboard once again for trainer Kathleen O’Connell as Street Gem got her fifth win in 10 starts.

In the Revidere Stakes last month, Street Gem set a slow pace and held off a late bid from Coarsegold.

Street Gem was again forwardly placed in the Desert Vixen. This time, she sat outside in third as Hold Our Destiny and Doubled motored along through brisk fractions of 22.35 and 46.93 seconds.

Street Gem pounced on the leaders midway on the final turn and was well clear turning for home. She opened up by four lengths before coasting home in the final stages.

“Every time she runs, she gets better and more relaxed,” Coa said. “She can be a little nervous but lately she’s been acting real good.”

Street Gem paid $7.20 to win as the 5-2 second choice. The time was 1:42.08 for the 1 1/16 miles over the firm course.

Coarsegold, the 6-5 favorite, was third followed by Parting Kiss, Doubled, and Hold Our Destiny.