Partyallnightlong in John Reilly among Lopez's four winners
OCEANPORT, N.J. - The red-hot Paco Lopez and the well-prepared Partyallnightlong teamed to win the $60,000 John J. Reilly Handicap on Saturday at Monmouth Park.
Lopez, the runaway leader in the local jockey standings, piled up four more wins. He got the Reilly victory with an aggressive ride against Rainbow Heir, the 4-5 favorite.
Rainbow Heir, winner of the Grade 3 Jersey Shore Stakes here last summer, was making his season debut. Trainer Ben Perkins Jr. considered scratching Rainbow Heir when he drew the rail but opted in the end to run.
Rainbow Heir broke a step slow and accelerated to get the lead, only to find Partyallnightlong immediately glued to his flank. The duo set the pace through demanding fractions of 21.76 and 44.45 seconds.
Partyallnightlong took charge at the eighth pole as Rainbow Heir weakened. The 7-year-old Partyallnightlong finished a wrapped up winner, beating Zealevo by three lengths in 1:10.67 for the six furlongs on a fast track.
Partyallnightlong, a homebred for Richard Malouf and trainer Eddie Broome, won for the 10th time in 21 starts. Eight of those wins have come at Monmouth.
Malouf and Broome have been extremely patient with the talented horse, who has battled numerous injuries during his limited career.
“This horse had some problems as a younger horse,” said Malouf. “Eddie just took his time bringing him back and keeping him sound.”
Broome prepped Partyallnightlong for the Reilly against open company in Monmouth’s Decathlon Stakes on opening day. Partyallnightlong, in his season debut, bobbled at the break and was no match as the amazing Ribo Bobo won for the 10th time in his last 12 races.
While Partyallnightlong finished fifth, the day was not a loss. He got the fitness needed for the Reilly.
“He had an issue the last time we ran leaving the gate, causing him to not run up to expectations,” Broome said. “I felt today with a clean trip he could run real well.”
Partyallnightlong paid $7.40 as the second choice in the wagering.
Gunfighter was third, followed by Saucy Don, Rainbow Heir, Hop Skip and Away, Chief Carlson, and Magical Fire.