Presious Performance in Jersey

Before I dump accolades upon myself for my correct selection for the second week in a row, I must comment on the performance of Presious Passion in the United Nations Handicap this past weekend. Not only did he set a new course mark with his victory, he destroyed the old record which was set by 2007 Breeder's Cup Turf winner, English Channel. English Channel ran the 1 and 3/8 miles of the 2007 United Nations in a strong 2:12.89. On Saturday, Presious Passion completed the same distance in an outstanding 2:10.97, which is the equivalent of just less than ten lengths better than English Channel's time. The time was only .77 seconds off of the world record, which was set at Belmont Park. What makes his time even more impressive is the fact that a 1 and 3/8 mile race at Monmouth is run around three turns, whereas a 1 and 3/8 mile trek around Belmont is only a two turn affair due to the longer distance of the Belmont oval. Presious Passion's "come and get me" tactic worked perfectly as he opened up a lead of twenty lengths at one point. With his victory, Presious Passion earned his spot on the Breeder's Cup Turf, and he will be a dangerous entrant if he can duplicate his form from this weekend come November.

The weekend's two top sprint races both were oddly taken by 3-year olds with Munnings victorious in the Tom Fool Handicap and Zensational in the Triple Bend Handicap. It is rare at this time of year for 3-year olds to be racing in top stakes against their older colleagues, but each young colt was able to win and win rather convincingly. Munnings was definitely aided by the scratch of Fabulous Strike, but turned in a visually impressive performance nevertheless. Zensational led his foes through testing fractions of 22.20, 45 and 1:08.80, yet was still able to complete the seven furlongs in 1:21.34. I assume Munnings will be pointed towards the King's Bishop Stakes at Saratoga, and he will almost certainly go off favored. Zensational is a fast-improving colt who could be a major player in the Breeder's Cup Sprint if he stays healthy.

Gozzip Girl traveled all the way from New York to take part in the American Oaks at Hollywood Park in California. She made the trip worthwhile for her owners by capturing first place by 3 and 1/4 lengths in the $700,000 race and placing herself firmly atop the list of the best 3-year old turf fillies in the nation. In addition to defeating ten foes from the States, she also beat two shippers from Europe and another who traveled all the way from New Zealand. Whether or not she sticks to the grass remains to be seen, as there are a wealth of options for her if she can duplicate her form on the dirt or even synthetic.

Two for two, my friends. Informed Decision, my second weekly "Lock", paid a whopping $2.40 for her gate-to-wire victory in the Chicago Handicap. She is going to be a force to be reckoned with in the Breeder's Cup Filly and Mare Sprint if she continues on this path. She has shown the ability to sit off of a fast pace or herself set a reasonable pace, and has won her last three races over two different synthetic surfaces and a muddy dirt track. Can you say "versatile"? After two weeks, my hypothetical profit is up to $.50 and my winning % is still at a rock-solid 100.