Voluminous in career form

Voluminous displayed an improved closing kick in her last two races. Trainer J. Willard Thompson hopes that late acceleration carries her to victory Friday in the featured $47,500 allowance for New Jersey-bred fillies and mares at Monmouth Park.

"I think she's a better finisher than last year," Thompson said. "I certainly hope so."

The 4-year-old is in the best form of her 10-race career heading into this first-level allowance at one mile and 70 yards.

Voluminous won her maiden here two starts back in a six-furlong sprint, launching a four-wide rally that carried her from eighth to a three-quarter-length victory. She stretched out most recently on June 30 with a strong late run, missing by only a half-length.

"She ran very well last time," Thompson said. "She was a little too far back because of the track bias. She's a nice, honest filly. I hope she can lay little closer this time."

Positioning could be key. The Monmouth main track has been strongly favoring speed horses and stalkers.

Jose Velez Jr. will ride for the first time.

The track's tilt toward speed makes Unspoken Vow a contender in her first race against winners. A 3-year-old trained by Gary Contessa, Unspoken Vow makes a third straight start at Monmouth after three races in New York to start her career.

In her first Monmouth start, on June 16, Unspoken Vow was rank in the early stages against open company, finishing second.

On June 23, it was a different story against statebreds for the first time. Unspoken Vow set the pace under early pressure before drawing away to a 6 1/4-length win. She earned a

74 Beyer Speed Figure, easily the best career number in the Friday race. She has finished in the money in her last four races, all at one mile or longer.

Chuckie Lopez, one of the top speed riders at the meet, will be aboard for the third straight time.

My Confidante could be another pace factor. She stretched out beyond six furlongs for the first time in her most recent outing. After opening up a clear lead, My Confidante dug in to hold third in a one-length loss as the 3-2 favorite.

Stewart Elliott has the return call on My Confidante, who is trained by Ben Perkins Jr. and has a record of

1-1-2 in 5 starts.

Megans Marvel will try to regroup. After winning her maiden against statebred claimers, she was no factor in her first try at this level.