Teaks North continues to improve

OCEANPORT, N.J. - Teaks North made his stakes debut a winning one, beating Beau Choix by one length in $96,000 Restoration Stakes for 3-year-olds on the turf on Saturday at Monmouth Park

The victory was the third in the last four races for the gelding trained by Justin Sallusto.

Teaks North turned in a sharp effort back on Haskell Day, capturing a first-level allowance race. Still, it seemed a tall order to make the leap against seasoned stakes runners.

A patient ride from Jose Valdivia, Jr. helped, keeping his horse relaxed while racing fourth between rivals.

Up front, Lighthouse Sound set the pace with Lonesome Street never far behind.

Turning for home, Teaks North took aim at the leaders on three-wide rally while Beau Choix launched a bid to his outside. Those two pulled clear at the end with Teaks North prevailing for his third win in seventh starts, and second on the grass.

“He’s been progressing every step of the way,” Sallusto said. “He’s starting to peak right now. The further he goes, the better he’ll get. I think he’s a multitalented horse. He handles the grass exceptionally well. He handles the main track very well. I think he’ll do big things on either surface.”

Teaks Way ran the 1 1/8 miles on the firm course in 1:46.53.

Beau Choix, the 19-10 favorite of the crowd of 10,104 on a delightfully sunny afternoon on the Jersey Shore, had his two-race winning streak, both in stakes, come to an end.

Lighthouse Sound finished third followed by Lonesome Street, Thunder Brew, The Cognac Kid, Double O Uno, and Key to the Empire.

* My Irish Girl, a former $15,000 claimer, extended her winning streak to seven in the $100,000 Miss Woodford Stakes for 3-year-old fillies.
She is unbeaten since running fifth in her debut at Remington Park in December.

Israel Ocampo was aboad for trainer Brad Cox as My Irish ran the six furlongs in 1:10.45. She paid $8.80 to win, beating Karmageddon by 2 3/4 lengths.

Whoopi Kitten, the 2-1 favorite, broke down while battling for the lead at the top of the turn. She was euthanized on the track.