Northlands: Up Jumps a Monster makes it 4 for 4 with Ky Alta victory

Up Jumps a Monster remained undefeated in four starts with an impressive win in the $50,000 Ky Alta for 3-yesar-olds at Northlands Park Saturday.

Stretching out to a middle distance for the first time, Up Jumps a Monster overcame a wide trip to win the one-mile race by 1 1/4 lengths over Toccetive. Clear the Runway opened up a clear lead at the top of the stretch before tiring to finish third. Even-money favorite Dougs Buddy finished fourth after setting the early pace.

Up Jumps a Monster, ridden by apprentice jockey Scott Williams, paid $5.80 as the second choice in the wagering.

"We were hooked a little wide on the first turn, but he was nice and relaxed for me," said Williams. "I felt like I had a lot of horse the whole way. He really ran to his name."

The final time was 1:38.40.

Up Jumps a Monster is trained by Rob Chabot.

In the inaugural running of the R K (Red) Smith Plethora broke on top and never looked back in the one-mile race for 3-year-old fillies. Plethora paid $12.40. She was ridden by Tony Maragh.

Plethora was chased by Claresmiezie the whole way while setting quick fractions of 23 seconds, 47.20, and 1.12.00. She led Claresmiezie by three lengths at the top of the stretch and despite noticeably tiring in the late stretch she was able to hold on to win by 1 1/2 lengths. Blue Baby made a late move to finish third.

The final time was 1:40.00.

"She is very fast, and I had to work hard to try and slow her down," said Maragh.

It was the first career stakes win for trainer Craig Smith.