OCEANPORT, NJ – 2W Stables’ Bronx Beauty gave jockey Isaac Castillo his first career stakes score as she repeated her 2019 success in Sunday’s $75,000 Regret Stakes at Monmouth Park.
Bronx Beauty broke from post 3 under Castillo as the 7/2 second choice and settled off the pace. Up front, Day by Day hustled to the lead but was soon joined by Decoupage to the inside and Bridlewood Cat opposite.
Castillo tipped Bronx Beauty out to commence a three-wide bid and was joined by the 3/5 favorite Royal Charlotte running to her outside.
Bronx Beauty took the lead by the top of the stretch and held off all comers to win by 4 1/4 lengths. The Anthony Margotta Jr. trainee completed the 6-furlong fast dirt dash in a final time of 1:10.45.
Credit: Bill Denver / Equi-Photo
“I knew I needed to be aggressive against (Royal Charlotte),” Castillo said. “I had to time my move just before she made hers to get clear. I knew I would have enough left if I was able to get the lead in the stretch because I have ridden this horse many times and I know her.”
Royal Charlotte held second narrowly by a head, a nose, and a neck over Day by Day, Bridlewood Cat, and Nth Degree.
Decoupage faded steadily in the far turn before jogging across the wire to complete the order of finish.
Chubofftheoldblock was scratched.
Bronx Beauty’s win was her second of the year following an optional claiming sprint over this same course and distance on July 19 and improved her overall record to 22-10-1-2. The Pennsylvania-bred 5-year-old Liaison mare increased her earnings to $572,270 after now having won at least 1 stakes in each of her four years of racing.
“She fit very well against these,” Margotta Jr. said. “She loves Monmouth Park – 4 out of 5 now on the racetrack – she’s very sound, and she’s fit right now. Isaac Castillo rides her really well. They get along great.”
Bronx Beauty returned $9.60 to win, $3.40 to place, and $2.40 to show. Royal Charlotte brought back $2.40 to place and $2.10 to show, while Day by Day paid $2.60 to show.
