Money Monster makes his seasonal debut in today’s $1.25-million Ash Wednesday Trophy main race, and all indications are that the seven-year-old bay gelding will have a successful return.

Money Monster finished fourth behind Atomica by 22 ¾ lengths in his most recent race on August 7, 2023, over nine furlongs and 25 yards (1,820m). Something must have gone wrong with
Money Monster that day, as he was anticipated to perform considerably better.

However, by going down in class to compete at the Overnight Allowance level, Money Monster should find things more manageable and may record his eighth career win in the process.

Money Monster previously ran at this level on April 1 of last year, winning easily by four lengths over seven and a half furlongs (1,500m) in a respectable 1:33.4. Two starts later, he finished second to Runaway Algo at seven furlongs (1,400m) on June 17, 2023, in the Open Allowance division.

Money Monster (Casual Trick – She’s Traditional), bred, owned, and trained by Fitzroy Glipsie, will not have it easy here because there are capable runners in the field with the ability to win, but he should use his class and talent to beat them.

Champion jockey Reyan Lewis, who was the rider aboard Money Monster on his last win, has been given the leg up here. Lewis will ride Money Monster at top weight of 57.0kgs (126 lb).

The race, going over six and a half furlongs (1,300m), is positioned as the 10th and final event on the card with a post time of 5:20 pm. First race is 11:40 am.

Duke, Laban, Freedom Street, and Green Gold Rush are competitors who should pose a threat to Money Monster here.

Duke, who is trained by Gary Subratie, has not been the force he once was, with recent performances that have been significantly below average. Despite his age of eight,
Duke is constantly competitive at the Overnight Allowance, so he deserves a look in here. Raddesh Roman will ride.

The Richard Azan-trained Laban has consistency on his side after finishing third in his last two races.
Laban finished 6 ¼ lengths behind Perfect Brew and Freedom Street over seven furlongs on December 16, 2023, and 2 ½ lengths behind Yellowstone and Rhythm Buzz in the straight on January 6. Based on his efforts, Laban might fight to the finish here.

Freedom Street is likewise and is down in class to compete here. The Patrick Lynch trainee has been doing admirably in the grade above, finishing second two times and third twice out of six races.
Freedom Street’s speed could allow him to outrun opponents and deliver results.

Green Gold Rush, from Dalton Sirjue’s barn, will also make his seasonal debut here. His last race came on December 26, 2023, when he finished fourth by nine lengths behind Press Conference, Burlap, and Captain Calico at today’s distance. Green Gold Rush had been training extremely well leading up to this race, clocking 1:09.0 for five and a half furlongs (1,100m) on Sunday February 4 and 1:02.0 for the final five furlongs (1,000m).

Ones to watch:

Race 1) All For Love/Strike Smart/Kai On The Go

Race 2) Sugar Sugar/Jupiter Man/Great Trick

Race 3) Lion of Ekati/Bin Laden/Delay The Game

Race 4) Selena Treasure/She’s Alone/Storm Boy

Race 5) Posing Already/Talona/Phoenix Risen

Race 6) Special Gift/The Gifted One/Degaulle

Race 7) Affair/Brenda Boy/Oil Machine

Race 8) Kissmet/ria’s Reign/Blinkin Light

Race 9) Sparkles/Stein/KD Strong

Race 10) Money Monster/Laban/Green Gold Rush