Money Monster ahead in three-year-old Sunday highlight
Money Monster, after five runs in the grades above, takes a drop in class to face rivals in the top-rated $1.14-million three-year-old and upward Non-Restricted Overnight Allowance contest, the highlighting event on the trophyless programme at Caymanas Park today.
Bred, owned, and trained by Fitzroy Glispie, Money Monster finished a good third when at the races on October 8 against the better campaigners around. In the nine-furlongs-and 25-yard race he finished 8 1/4 lengths behind top stayer Calculus and improving foreigner Runaway Algo.
With his well-being exposed and less to fear here, Money Monster, dropping down in grade, faces weaker opposition, thereby increasing his chances of winning. The last time he was at this level in June of this year, Money Monster was a two-length winner over a mile (1,600m) in a smooth 1:38.4. Reyan Lewis will ride at 57.0 kg (126 lb).
The seven-furlong (1,400m) event is listed as the ninth and final race on the card with a post time of 4:50 pm. First race is at noon.
The Jason DaCosta-trained Eagle One and Laban, from the stables of Hall of Fame trainer Richard Azan, look like the main challengers to Money Monster here.
Eagle One, is a five-year-old, American-bred bay gelding by Astrology out of the Roar mare Frisky Cheerleader. This capable runner was expected to win at this level when first dropping down to this grade on August 20. However, Eagle One ran a good race on last when finishing in fifth position by just under five lengths behind Excessive Force and Madelyn’s Sunshine in the Port Royal Sprint on November 12 over six furlongs (1,200m). Based on back class, Eagle One should have a significant impact on the outcome of this contest. Robert Halledeen has been called upon to do riding honours.
Laban (Sensational Slam–For Trixie) has been holding his own in recent times at this level and above without actually winning. Although Laban would prefer it shorter, he should not have an issue with the distance and could be a dangerous contender. Champion jockey Anthony Thomas remains in the irons.
Of the rest of the runners in the 11-horse field, maybe Ras Emanuel, Big Daddy, and Money Marshall could take up hands in the outcome of this race.
— Ruddy Allen
Ones to watch:
Race 1) Chennai Express/Last Lick/Bold Sami
Race 2) Big Argument/ZD Eye/Legal Opportunity
