Monomoy Girl picks up where she left off

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Such is the dearth of live sporting events in America these days that the results of an allowance race can become a news item on ESPN’s “SportsCenter.”

Surely the national recognition came about because the coronavirus crisis has rendered all other major sports idle, but let the record show that the comeback victory by Monomoy Girl in a Saturday allowance at Churchill Downs meant the world to trainer Brad Cox, regardless of who else noticed.

“I can’t tell you how proud I am of what she’s done,” Cox said. “She’s just an unbelievable horse.”

Ridden by Florent Geroux, Monomoy Girl returned from a layoff of more than 18 months and proved superior to six other fillies and mares in a $77,601 race run at a mile around one turn. The 3-year-old filly champion of 2018 drew clear in midstretch to prevail by 2 3/4 lengths over longshot Red Dane, earning an 85 Beyer Speed Figure and finishing in 1:36.51 over a drying-out track.

Monomoy Girl overcame a serious bout with colic last spring, then a pulled gluteal muscle last fall, before finally being ready for her first race since she won the Breeders’ Cup Distaff at Churchill on Nov. 3, 2018. The 5-year-old Tapizar mare now has finished first in 11 of 12 career starts, although she was disqualified to second in one of those wins. The latest victory tipped her past the $3 million mark in earnings.

Cox has lost several standouts from his stable in recent months, including Covfefe (retired), Mylady Curlin (retired), British Idiom (injured), and Taraz (died). He credited the principals in the four-way partnership that owns Monomoy Girl with being “great sportsmen” and said the mare could run next in the Grade 2 Fleur de Lis on June 27, closing day of the 26-day spring meet.

“It was great to get this out of the way and see her run as well as she did,” Cox said. “She’s a superstar, no doubt.”