Soaring Empire cuts back in Rutgers Stakes

Soaring Empire, who has won the only two sprints of his career, and horse-for-the-course Partyallnightlong, 4 for 5 sprinting over Monmouth Park’s main track, are the leading contenders in a field of seven 3-year-olds going six furlongs in the $70,000 Rutgers Stakes at Monmouth.

Soaring Empire returns to sprinting after three straight routes against graded stakes competition. He has turned in a pair of five-furlong bullet workouts since Oct. 22 in preparation for his first start since the Grade 3 Pegasus in mid-June. The last time Soaring Empire returned from a lengthy break while shortening up in distance, he won going seven furlongs at Gulfstream Park.

The New Jersey-bred Partyallnightlong faces slightly easier company after a runner-up finish on turf in the $104,000 Gilded Time and a third in the $250,000 Gallant Bob at Parx Racing. The last time he sprinted at Monmouth, Partyallnightlong posted a three-length victory and earned a career-best 99 Beyer Speed Figure.

The field also includes three last-out winners who earned Beyers in the narrow range of 93 to 95 – Westover Wildcat, Wildcat Frankie, and Close to the Edge.