Presious Passion sent to farm

Presious Passion is on vacation.

The winner of the last two runnings of the Grade 1 United Nations Stakes will not defend his title on Saturday at Monmouth Park, and trainer Mary Hartmann said the 7-year-old gelding is getting a freshening at a private farm in nearby Colts Neck, N.J.

Presious Passion did not run well in his last two races, finishing 16th in the Dubai Sheema Classic on March 27 and seventh in the Monmouth Stakes on June 12.

"Physically, he's fine," Hartmann said. "He just didn't seem to be on his game. I wouldn't send him out and embarrass him."

This could be the first extended break for Presious Passion, a career winner of over $2.6 million. There is no target date for a return.

Hartmann said Presious Passion had brief turnouts in the past but never seemed comfortable on a farm. She is hopeful the gelding will have a more relaxing experience this time.

"Generally, he doesn't like the farm," Hartmann said. "This is right here, and I can visit often. If he doesn't like the farm, he rest here back at the track."

In addition to a second U.N. victory, Presious Passion had a banner year in 2009. He also won the Grade 1 Clement Hirsch Stakes and ran second in the Breeders' Cup Turf, beaten a half-length by Conduit.