Mr. Monomoy shows big sister he's no slouch

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – He still has a long way to go to live up to his older sister’s legacy, but Mr. Monomoy began his own scrapbook Saturday with a 5 1/2-length romp in a 6 1/2-furlong maiden race at Churchill Downs.

It was an auspicious second start for Mr. Monomoy, a 2-year-old half-brother to last year’s 3-year-old filly champion Monomoy Girl, following a troubled debut last month at Keeneland. The son of Palace Malice earned a 74 Beyer Speed Figure.

“I think he’s cut out to be a good horse, and we’re going to treat him that way,” said Brad Cox, who trains the $60,000 weanling purchase for Madaket Stables, Michael Dubb, and Doheny Racing. “He’ll get his chances coming up at Fair Grounds.”

Monomoy Girl, a 4-year-old filly by Tapizar, scored her two biggest wins at Churchill – the Kentucky Oaks and Breeders’ Cup Distaff – on her way to becoming the champion 3-year-old filly of 2018. Both she and Mr. Monomoy were produced by Drumette, by Henny Hughes.

The flashy victory wasn’t the only one here Saturday by a modest purchase in a 2-year-old maiden race. Swiss Skydiver, a Daredevil filly who cost $35,000 as a yearling, earned a 76 Beyer in a 5 1/2-length debut triumph for trainer Kenny McPeek.