Snowdrops wins fourth straight

OCEANPORT, N.J. - The well-traveled Snowdrops posted her fourth straight victory Sunday afternoon with a rallying score in the $60,000 Politely Stakes for fillies and mares on the turf at Monmouth Park.

Bred in England, Snowdrops ($5) won the four races at four different tracks. The streak started at the Fair Grounds, continued at Keeneland and hit three at Belmont Park.

The level of consistency made her the favorite of the Father's Day crowd of 23,896, the biggest turnout of the young season.

Snowdrops beat Noisette by a half length with Lojo third.

Joe Bravo had to curb some of Snowdrops early enthusiasm.

"She wanted to go right from the start," said the meet's leading rider. "Down the backstretch, she settled down and figured out what was going on."

Snowdrops split rivals one furlong from the wire to burst clear and secure the win for trainer Christophe Clement.

Snowdrops ran the 1 1-16 miles on the firm turf in 1:40.65

Trueamericanspirit takes Lincroft

Trueamericanspirit ($6) continued his domination of the New Jersey-bred stakes with a victory in the $60,000 Lincroft Handicap at one mile.

The gelding also won the John J. Reilly Handicap at six furlongs on opening day.

Trainer Tim Hills was not worried about the added distance.

"He's a tall horse so I didn't think the two turns would be a problem at all," said Hills.

Trueamericanspirit, ridden by Eibar Coa, posted his fifth win in seven starts at Monmouth, beating NJ Devil by 2 3-4 lengths in 1:38.02. Brave Joe was third.