Red Vine looks sharp winning Majestic Light

Red Vine made the first 13 starts of his career on turf. He has made his last three on dirt and won them all – nicely.

Red Vine showed a sharp turn of foot to engage the front-running Valid entering the stretch of the $75,000 Majestic Light Stakes at Monmouth Park on Saturday. He then quickly put the race to rest, winning by two lengths while not being asked for his best late.

"A lot of horse, he did it easy," Joe Bravo said after scoring his 5,001st career victory and second of the day.

Red Vine is a 5-year-old son of Candy Ride trained by Christophe Clement. He now has won 5 of 16 starts and $335,715 for owners Jon and Sarah Kelly.

Red Vine made his first main-track start in December, when the second-level optional-claiming race he was entered in was taken off the turf. He won by 3 1/2 lengths.

On April 1, he rated early, then showed the same acceleration as he did Saturday to win an optional race by three lengths.

Valid set the pace in the Majestic Light while being tracked by the 14-1 longshot Congenial. Stormin Monarcho raced within striking distance while farther out in the track. Red Vine was farther back while saving ground.

On the far turn of the mile-and-70-yard race, Orlando Bocachica put Valid to a drive and opened daylight on his closest pursuers. Bravo followed on Red Vine, went outside for the drive, and quickly pulled away.

The fractions for the race were 23.17 seconds, 46.22, 1:10.08, and 1:36.09. Red Vine paid $3.80 after completing the course in 1:40.51.

Valid was second best, eight lengths in front of Souper Lucky. Stormin Monarcho was fourth, six lengths farther back.

Eleven horses were originally entered for the Majestic Light, but six scratches reduced the field to five.

A fun-loving crowd of 23,483 turned out Saturday at Monmouth for the races and day 1 of the ontrack food truck festival. More than 30 food trucks will be at the track Sunday and Monday also.