Romacaca, placed forwardly throughout, made it five victories in a row when she prevailed by two lengths in the $200,000 Taylor Made Matchmaker (gr. IIIT) for fillies and mares at Monmouth Park July 31 (VIDEO).
Bred in Florida by Cashel Stud and owned by perennial Illinois leading owner Frank Calabrese, Romacaca won has consecutive wins at Monmouth and earned $120,000 for his owner.
The Matchmaker changed complexion when favorite C. S. Silk was sandwiched and bumped hard from both sides leaving the gate. The Just A Game (gr. IT) winner was forced to drop back early, and although she made a move late, she flattened out and was not a factor at the end.
Marquet Madness took the lead early from Romacaca and raced through a quarter mile in :23 3/5 and a half in :48. Romacaca and rider E.T. Baird tracked the pacesetter from second, with Christine Daae and Cherokee Queen also forwardly placed. Marquet Madness opened a three-length margin on the backstretch, but turning into the homestretch Romacaca had dead aim on her and flew by to win in 1:46 2/5 for the nine-furlong Matchmaker. Nick Canani trains the winner.
Ravi’s Song won a photo for the place over Perfect Shirl. Romacaca paid $13.20, $5.80, and $4.40. Ravi’s Song was good for $4.80 and $3.80, while Perfect Shirl returned $4.60. The $2 exacta paid $67.20
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