Saucy Don's local record a big advantage in John Reilly Handicap
Green Gratto and Saucy Don, the highweights in the $60,000 John J. Reilly Handicap at Monmouth Park on Saturday, are only weighted a pound apart in the six-furlong sprint for New Jersey-breds at 125 and 124. But that’s pretty much where the similarities end.
Green Gratto is fast and rarely misses a race on the calendar. He ran 16 times in 2015.
Saucy Don, on the other hand, takes his time early in his races and likes to vacation during the winter. He also is the reigning Reilly winner and holds the home-field advantage. While Green Gratto is 0 for 3 at Monmouth, Saucy Don is 7 for 21.
Saucy Don is spending his fifth season in trainer Terri Pompay’s stable. A 6-year-old owned and bred by Patricia Generazio, Saucy Don will be making his first start since September.
“The Generazios give him the winters off,” Pompay said. “There are benefits from not running a horse all year, and there’s an advantage to having older horses when they are sound.”
Pompay said Saucy Don rejoined her barn a little later this spring than in the past, and at first, she was worried he wouldn’t be tight enough for this race. Saucy Don has since eased her mind.
“He’s sharp and happy, and I’m not really concerned anymore,” Pompay said. “I think he’s coming into this good. His body is nice, and he’s got a big, thick, muscled hind end. He has a lot to push off with. The last little bit of the race will tell if I’m right.”
Last year, Saucy Don pulled off a pretty neat double. He won the Reilly by a head and then stretched out to a mile and switched to turf for the Dan Horn Handicap. He won by a neck.
“He has a lot of class,” Pompay said. “I always thought he’d like two turns but never really had enough air in him to try it. Last year, he was so fit and so on his game, we said, ‘Let’s see how he does?’ I was very proud of him.”
Pompay said she wants to see how Saucy Don does Saturday before considering where he will race next. The $60,000 Dan Horn is June 18.
◗ This is Jersey Shore Food Truck Festival weekend, with more than 50 trucks at the track Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. It’s a good idea to come out early and eat early.
◗ Entries Saturday are light. There are only 75 horses entered on the 10-race card.
John J. Reilly Handicap, Race 9
Key Contenders
Saucy Don, by Don Six
Last 3 Beyers: 80-81-89
◗ He has been remarkably consistent the last three years, making seven or eight starts, winning twice each year, and earning about $90,000.
Green Gratto, by Here’s Zealous
Last 3 Beyers: 85-67-89
◗ After closing out 2015 in the best form of his career for Gaston Grant, his Beyer Speed Figures have been slipping. Still, speed is always dangerous, and he figures to be on the lead.
Posse Dreamin, by Posse
Last 3 Beyers: 88-78-86
◗ Had a solid winter in Florida for Eddie Broome and now steps back into Jersey-bred company.
Chubilicious, by Hey Chub
Last 3 Beyers: 73-93-70
◗ One of two horses entered by leading trainer Jorge Navarro. Makes his first start for Navarro and may come out running off a six-month layoff.