No Such Word gets pace setup in Monmouth Oaks

OCEANPORT, N.J. – The Monmouth Oaks has become a family affair for the Larry and Cindy Jones.

Larry Jones trained the last two winners of Monmouth Park’s top event for 3-year-old fillies: Maren’s Meadow (2008) and Just Jenda (2009).

Larry retired at the end of last year, turning the stable over to his wife, Cindy. Now the pressure is on Cindy to extend the Monmouth Oaks winning streak on Saturday with No Such Word in the Grade 3, $200,000 stakes at 1 1/16 miles.

“It would be three in a row for us,” Cindy Jones said. “And it’s all about the family, anyway.”

No Such Word is 3-1-1 in 7 starts this year, a record that would be even sharper had she not run fourth both times she encountered Blind Luck.

The most recent showdown came in No Such Word’s last race, the Delaware Oaks on July 10.

“Thank goodness Blind Luck is not in this race,” Jones said. “She is the number one 3-year-old filly in the nation, as far as I’m concerned. She’ll be at Saratoga for the Alabama. That’s where she needs to run.”

Since the loss by 2 3/4 lengths in the slop in the Delaware Oaks, No Such Word bounced back with a pair of bullet works, both at Delaware Park.

He latest breeze was Monday, a strong five-furlong move in 58 seconds with jockey Terry Thompson aboard.

“I like our chances,” Jones said. “I love the way the filly is training. The Delaware Oaks just didn’t set up for her. This race has tons of speed.”

Both No Such Word and Seeking the Title will be looking to run down the pacesetters.

The Iowa Oaks winner in late June, Seeking the Title was fifth most recently to Devil May Care in the Grade 1 Coaching Club American Oaks at 1 1/8 miles at Saratoga.

“It was a tough race, and she was there to the top of the stretch,” said trainer Dallas Stewart, who believes the cutback in distance will help his filly. “I was a little shocked she got tired. Health-wise, she came out of it in pretty good shape. We worked her one time since then. Her energy is good, she’s eating well and she looks awesome.”

D. Wayne Lukas, a four-time Monmouth Oaks winner, will send out Absinthe Minded.

C C’s Pal, Worship the Moon, and Patriotic Viva complete the field.