Monroe Stakes proves no problem for Miss Hollywood

Miss Hollywood made it through a rail opening in the early stages of the $75,000 Monroe Stakes on Sunday at Gulfstream Park. And that was the extent of trouble for the heavy favorite in a field of eight fillies and mares, as she rolled on to a five-length victory in the seven-furlong race.

Ridden by Emisael Jaramillo, Miss Hollywood gradually widened on the competition after taking that early lead, finishing in 1:22.65 over a fast track and returning $3 to win. It was the first stakes triumph for the 4-year-old Malibu Moon filly, who was a $1.35 million yearling purchase. Giuseppe Iadisernia trains her at nearby Gulfstream Park West for the Run Hard Stables.

“We’re very happy with her race,” Iadisernia said afterward. “We expected her to run a big race.”

Distinta closed late to be second, three-quarters of a length before Winning for Sarah.

Miss Hollywood, bred in Kentucky by George Krikorian, now has won three of six starts. She was beaten a neck in the restricted Barely Even Stakes at Gulf in her prior start.