Sweet Ducky may try Delta Jackpot next

OCEANPORT, N.J. - Sweet Ducky scored his third win in four races on Saturday, beating Curlinello by four lengths in the $70,000 Seton Hall University Stakes for 2-year-olds at Monmouth Park.

They finished in that same order in their previous meeting, the Garden State Stakes here on Sept. 25 with Sweet Ducky winning by a half-length.
In the rematch, Curlinello went off the 9-10 favorite. Sweet Ducky, the 17-10 second choice, was a decisive winner in a victory that could be a springboard to a much bigger prize. Trainer Kelly Breen had targeted the $1 million Delta Downs Jackpot as the colt’s next start.

“That’s what we’ll start working on, like how to get him there and stuff like that,” Breen said of the trip to Louisiana for Sweet Ducky’s first race away from Monmouth.

The Seton Hall was another step in the development of a colt who has always shown promise. He suffered a leg gash in the Tyro Stakes - his lone lose - that led to an infection that sidelined him for two months. He returned to win a pair of one-mile races, the Garden State and Seton Hall. He appears very comfortable going around two turns.

“I think even more impressive than his race today is the way he’s maturing,” said Joe Bravo, aboard for the last two victories. “He’s really developing. He’s always had the talent, but now he’s starting to learn the game. He’s such a big animal. I think the two turns has really helped him as well.”

Sweet Ducky and Curlinello bumped at the start. Sweet Ducky went on to battle Printing Press for the lead before pulling clear in the lane. Curlinello rallied to edge Printing Press by a head for the place spot.

The time was 1:38.62 on the fast track.