Yonkers: Tequila Monday romps to victory in Lismore final

Tequila Monday and Brian Sears were dominant in victory in the $140,770 Lismore at Yonkers on Saturday night. The New York-bred daughter of American Ideal cruised to an open lengths score in 1:52 2/5, defeating heavy favorite Agent Q in the process.

There was a mad dash in the early stages as post five starter Big City Betty (Jim Marohn Jr.) blasted to the front, looping the favorite and securing the front from Caviart Cherie in a sizzling 27 second opening quarter. Sears and Tequila Monday, last year's New York Sire Stakes champion, tucked in fourth behind the favorite in the early stages and remained on that one's back as Big City Betty clicked the half in 56 2/5.

David Miller gave Agent Q her cue on the third turn, and the elimination winner circled the leader in but a few strides. Tequila Monday had an even quicker turn of speed, though, and she immediately pounced on the favorite and was going by her through the three-quarters in 1:25 2/5. In the stretch Agent Q tried to battle back, but there was no stopping Tequila Monday as she charged home effortlessly with a 27 second final quarter as a 4-1 choice. Agent Q held for second with Caviart Ally third.

"She's got a high turn of speed but can get a bit steppy," said Sears. "Last week (second in the elimination) was a good experience for her."

Tequila Monday won for the first time as a sophomore and set a personal-best in the process. Lightly-raced at two, the victory pushed her career bankroll to $268,591 for owners Susan Oakes and Chuck Pompey. Chris Oakes trains the winner.