Monsoon Rain takes R. J. Speers

Monsoon Rain makes it four in a row with a win in the R. J. Speers Memorial Stakes including a second stakes win. 

Monsoon Rain, trained by Marty Drexler, pressed early leader Brinello through the midpoint in the backstretch before getting his head in front and never looking back.  “After making sure we didn’t go out too fast around the first turn, he (Monsoon Rain) did everything else,” said rider Carlos Marquez, “he’s a nice horse!”

After winning the Wheat City Stakes on Derby Day, the 6-year-old son of Old Trieste came back to win his second stakes of the year.  “He’s running like he’s supposed to run,” said trainer Marty Drexler, referring to his past races at Belmont Park and overseas.

Owner Larry Carter was all smiles as not only did his horse Monsoon Rain win the race, his other horse, co-owned by Arnason Farm, Voorhee’s Ballad, finished a game second.  Sitting in behind the leaders, Voorhee’s Ballad, trained by Emile Corbel, made his move around the final turn coming into the stretch, but could not catch the winner.

Rage Till Dawn, last year’s Derby Trial winner, also trained by Marty Drexler, rallied for third.

Other stakes this weekend were:
Jack Hardy – Race 7 Friday, August 29
North Dakota Futurity – Race 6 Sunday, August 31
CTHS Sales Stakes – Race 8 Monday, Sept 1

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