On paper many of the entries for this year's $116,000 Jersey Shore Stakes (gr. III) appeared to possess early speed.
But that group of early runners July 4 at Monmouth Park proved no match for the early speed of undefeated New Jersey-bred Rainbow Heir, who controlled things from gate to wire in the six-furlong race for 3-year-olds (VIDEO). In improving his record to 4-for-4, the Wildcat Heir colt, who has never trailed at any point of call, secured his first stakes win as the 6-5 favorite.
After going a quarter mile in :21.89 and a half mile in :44.76, New Farm homebred Rainbow Heir cruised to a five-length victory, completing six furlongs in 1:09.43 on a fast track.
"He got out really quick," said winning trainer Ben Perkins Jr. "He relaxed afterwards and as soon as Elvis (jockey Trujillo) got clear, he was kind of just sitting and waiting. He's an excellent horse and he has a similar body and has the same disposition as Wildcat Heir; both are really relaxed and lightning fast."
Rainbow Heir returned $4.40, $3, and $2.60 in the field of six 3-year-old colts and geldings. Longshot Amarish completed the $40.60 exacta and returned $5.60 to place and $3.80 to show. It was another 4 1/4 lengths back to Uptown Boy, who paid $3.20 to show.
"I knew I had a speed horse to the outside of me (Whiskey Romeo) and we were head-to-head for about the first five jumps," said winning jockey Elvis Trujillo. "My horse broke so good that we were able to make the lead and when the other horse sat back just a little bit I thought 'slow it down as much as possible.' In the stretch, I asked him, he switched leads and that was it. He's just really good."
A New Jersey-bred out of the Prospectors Gamble mare Rainbow Pride, Rainbow Heir has earned $152,460.
Following home the top three were Two T's At Two B, Res Judicata, and Whiskey Romeo.
Rainbow is in control in the Jersey Shore Stakes.
Bill Denver/EQUI-PHOTO