Monopolist speeds to Southern California Derby berth

Monopolist qualified for his fourth derby of the year at Los Alamitos on Sunday, running 400 yards in 19.42 seconds in a time trial to establish the fastest qualifying mark for the $150,600 Southern California Derby on Dec. 19.

The time was the fastest of the year at the distance at Los Alamitos.

Monopolist, trained by James Glenn, Jr., for track owner Ed Allred, won the third and final time trial for the Southern California Derby under jockey Henry Lopez.

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Earlier this year, Monopolist was third in the Los Alamitos Winter Derby in February and second by a nose in the Governor’s Cup Derby in August. Monopolist was the fastest qualifier for the Pacific Coast Quarter Horse Racing Association Breeders’ Derby from time trials in September, but was held out of the final in early October in favor of a start in the Los Alamitos Super Derby trials on Oct. 16.

Monopolist finished fourth in a trial for the Super Derby, failing to gain a berth in the final.

Monopolist was the fastest qualifier for the Governor’s Cup and PCQHRA Breeders’ derbies.

In the Southern California Derby final, Monopolist’s main rivals are likely to be trial race winners J Best Boogie, who qualified in 19.78 seconds, and O Donovan Rossa, who was timed in 19.82.

Monopolist finished a length in front of the A Dash of Sign, who was ninth in the Super Derby. A Dash of Sign qualified for the Southern California Derby with a solid time of 19.59 seconds.

O Donovan Rossa ($64.80) was the surprise winner of the trials, the gelding’s first victory in eight starts.