Ranch (#8) clings to a narrow lead to take the Gr-2 Monrovia Stakes

Monrovia Stakes – Grade II
6 1/2 Furlongs Turf Stake Purse $200.000 Filly & Mare 3 Year Olds And Up.

1st Ranch, trained by Racing Love
I did expect the wide gate speed push to help this front runner and she found the lead pretty easily, in fact much easier than she would have had she been drawn inside. The front runners particularly from wide gates can be vulnerable these days but this three year old dug really deep to hold on for an ultra game nose win. This is a very nice filly who wasnt getting a huge help from the three year old weight allowance today so this performance for me was even better.

2nd Pip Irish, trained by Chili King Stables
Her work times were suggesting she could run with these and she very nearly came off 5 straight defeats in overnights to win this grade two. Running on strongly at the finish she just failed to pull back the winner in a very game effort and one that may see her go again at this level.

=3rd Maui Supreme, trained by Mb Stables
Was trying for four wins in a row and this was a big test for her which she came through with flying colors. Losing nothing in defeat this experience will only improve her.

=3rd Zero Care, trained by Mb Stables
Got behind early on and ran on very well to dead heat for third, Without the weight allowance she wouldve been second so this was a decent effort. A real consistent sort she still hasnt finished outside the top four.

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