Shippy Strolls in Off-Turf Blue Sparkler

OCEANPORT, NJ – Reeves Thoroughbred Racing, R. A. Hill Stable, and Joseph Besecker’s Shippy strolled back into the winner’s circle Saturday after taking an off-turf edition of the $75,000 Blue Sparkler Stakes at Monmouth Park.

Shippy was made the 8/5 favorite under Paco Lopez, and from the moment she left the gate, she never gave up her front-running position in the 5 1/2-furlong fast dirt sprint.

The George Weaver trainee made every step a winning one, taking the field gate to wire before crossing 4 1/2 lengths clear in a final time of 1:04.09.

Fujairah was a head and a neck clear of Fast Scene and Call On Mischief, respectively, in a three-way photo finish for second. Pretty Edgy, We Miss Susie, and Lady Fatima completed the order of finish.

Ilchester Cheetah was injured in the far turn and had to be humanely euthanized. Caravel and Miss J McKay scratched after the race was taken off of the turf.

Shippy’s win was her first since she debuted stylishly at Laurel Park on June 14, 2019. The 3-year-old Midshipman filly now sports a record of 5-2-1-1 with $107,600 earned.

Shippy returned $5.20 to win, $4 to place, and $2.80 to show. Fujairah brought back $12.40 to place and $6.60 to show, while Fast Scene paid $3.60 to show.