Monsoon K S A finds softer spot in Friday turf race
The Friday card at Laurel Park is topped by a first-level optional-claiming race for 2-year-olds at a mile on turf. Monsoon K S A, who finished fourth in the Grade 2 With Anticipation Stakes at Saratoga in his most recent start, is the horse to beat, but there are other promising runners in the field.
Monsoon K S A, a son of Candy Ride trained by Cathal Lynch, vied for the early lead in the With Anticipation before weakening in the stretch to be beaten three lengths. The top two finishers in that race, Made You Look and Keep Quiet, are being pointed to the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf. Keep Quiet won the Grade 3 Bourbon Stakes at Keeneland following the With Anticipation.
Smokinwatchstopper won a Delaware Park maiden race at 7 1/2 furlongs over turf by five lengths on Aug. 29 for trainer Joseph Arboritanza. The second- and third-place finishers in that race, Mr Grey and Hot and Heavy, each came back to win. All three are entered back Friday.
Hot and Heavy lost his rider and ran loose prior to the start of Smokinwatchstopper’s win while making his career debut. Trained by Anthony Pecoraro, Hot and Heavy comfortably won a Laurel maiden race Sept. 23.
Mr Grey, who races for Christophe Clement, won a $62,500 maiden-claiming race at Belmont Park. He will have to draw into the field from the also-eligible list.