Monomoy Girl, Midnight Bisou drill for Coaching Club American Oaks

Monomoy Girl, the leader of the 3-year-old filly division, and Midnight Bisou, perhaps her top challenger, put in their final workouts Sunday morning for their showdown in next Sunday’s Grade 1 Coaching Club American Oaks at Saratoga.

At Churchill Downs, Kentucky Oaks and three-time Grade 1 winner Monomoy Girl worked a half-mile in 48.80 seconds in company with Majestic Affair, a 6-year-old gelding coming off a second-level allowance win. While the official time was given for a half-mile, trainer Brad Cox said Monomoy Girl galloped out five furlongs in 1:00.80 and six furlongs in 1:14.

“It was a really good move, I’m pleased with it,” Cox said by phone from Churchill. “As long as everything looks good tomorrow morning, we’ll send her up.”

Cox said Monomoy Girl will leave Kentucky on Monday night by van and arrive at Saratoga on Tuesday morning.

Monomoy Girl, a daughter of Tapizar, is 7 for 8 overall and 4 for 4 this year. She has won three consecutive Grade 1 stakes: the Ashland, Kentucky Oaks and Acorn.

“Her weight’s great, she’s moving well, her conditioning is good,” Cox said. “We’re sitting in a good spot with her.”

Cox said he’s looking forward to the showdown between Monomoy Girl and Midnight Bisou, who finished third in the Kentucky Oaks.

“It should be a competitive race; she definitely makes it more interesting,” Cox said. “She’s a quality filly, a Grade 1 winner. Definitely excited about the challenge.”

At Saratoga, Midnight Bisou worked a half-mile in 50.73 seconds over the Oklahoma training track. It was her first work since she won the Grade 2 Mother Goose by six lengths at Belmont on June 30.

Asmussen said he only worked Midnight Bisou once in part because she shipped from Kentucky to Belmont and then from Belmont to Saratoga following the Mother Goose.

“That’s quite a bit in 22 days,” Asmussen said. “I’m just looking for her to be 100 percent. I expect her to come out of it in good shape and maintain the attitude she’s kept since she came into our barn.”

Asked if he was looking forward to the matchup between Monomoy Girl and Midnight Bisou, Asmussen said, “Only if it goes our way.”

Entries for the Coaching Club American Oaks will be taken on Thursday. Others expected to enter are Eskimo Kisses and Gio Game. Chocolate Martini and Cash Out are possible.