by Karen M. Johnson
The Green Monkey, a $16-million 2-year-old purchase at auction, is scheduled to make his much-anticipated racing debut at Belmont Park in the fourth race Sept. 15.
The Green Monkey was bought by John Magnier, Michael Tabor, and Derrick Smith last year at Fasig-Tipton’s select sale of 2-year-olds in training at Calder. His purchase price was a world record at the time.
A 3-year-old son of Forestry, The Green Monkey suffered from a pulled gluteal muscle last year that delayed the start of his racing career.
Trained by Todd Pletcher, The Green Monkey will be ridden by John Velazquez in the six-furlong dirt race for maidens, 3-year-olds and up. The Green Monkey drew post four in the six-horse field.