Monomoy Girl, Quip breeze for major Keeneland stakes

Monomoy Girl, among the leading prospects for the Kentucky Oaks, worked Sunday at Keeneland as she targets the track's major prep for the filly classic.

The Tapizar filly, trained by Brad Cox, worked four furlongs in company in 47 1/5 seconds in her final major move prior to the Grade 1 Ashland Stakes next Saturday. The filly worked early Sunday to beat wet weather expected to move into the Lexington, Ky., area later in the day; the track was officially rated “fast” for training hours. Monomoy Girl went the opening quarter in 24 seconds and galloped out in 59 4/5 seconds.

Monomoy Girl has won four of five career starts, most recently taking the Grade 2 Rachel Alexandra Stakes in February at Fair Grounds. Her only loss came when beaten a neck in the Grade 2 Golden Rod Stakes last November at Churchill Downs. She won two prior starts at the Louisville, Ky., track, including the Rags to Riches Stakes at a mile.

Post positions for the Ashland will be drawn Tuesday at Keeneland, along with the field for the track's Kentucky Derby prep, the Grade 2 Blue Grass Stakes. Along with Monomoy Girl, Keeneland lists Andina Del Sur, C. S. Incharge, and Mrs Rocco as probable for the race. Possible starters include Fair Grounds Oaks runner-up Eskimo Kisses, Patrona Margarita, and Tyfosha. The Ashland awards points toward the Oaks, which is limited to a starting field of 14, on a 100-40-20-10 scale.

Working toward the Blue Grass early Sunday at Keeneland was Grade 2 Tampa Bay Derby winner Quip, who was credited with five furlongs in company in 1:00 2/5. The Distorted Humor colt, trained by Rodolphe Brisset, turned in splits of 12 3/5, 25, and 47 2/5 seconds.

Quip won his first two starts at Churchill Downs and Keeneland last fall before finishing seventh in the Grade 2 Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes. The Tampa Bay Derby was his 3-year-old debut.

The field for the Blue Grass, which offers Kentucky Derby points on a 100-40-20-10 basis, is expected to be headed by champion juvenile male Good Magic, who is scheduled to arrive in Lexington on Monday. Other probable starters include Grade 1 winner Free Drop Billy, Tampa Bay Derby runner-up Flameaway, California Night, Determinant, Gotta Go, Heartfullofstars, Machismo, Sporting Chance, Tiz Mischief, and Zing Zang. Kanthaka is considered possible.