Allworthy gets the nod in Monmouth Oaks

Nine sophomore fillies will travel 1 1/16 miles on the dirt in the $250,000 Monmouth Oaks (G3). The Saturday feature lacks a standout runner in a well-matched cast and appears to be a good betting opportunity.

Two contenders are of main interest to me, led by the Saffie Joseph-trained #6 Allworthy. Purchased for just $3,000 as a yearling, the daughter of Tonalist has never missed the board from four lifetime tries and rides in on a two-race winning streak. In her latest, the chestnut tracked the pace and came home swiftly to win in going-away fashion at Gulfstream Park.

The Kentucky-bred is cut out to run long and she will thrive with the additional distance on Saturday. Allworthy is a promising filly with some versatility to her, and she comes in with a pair of bullet drills at Saratoga, as well. Gerardo Corrales will be in the stirrups and tracking the early pace atop the selection, who seems poised to make a winning stakes debut in the Monmouth Oaks. 

The second runner in the group that I believe will be in the mix late is Delaware Oaks (G3) runner-up #2 Midnight Obsession. One of two in the field for trainer John Servis, the bay daughter of Overanalyze has been first or second in her quartet of starts to date. The Keystone State-bred first caught my eye when registering a smart allowance tally at Belmont Park three back, and she has done good things when second in a pair of black-type engagements since that showing. Midnight Obsession is well drawn to save ground while never far back early, and the filly will have top gun Paco Lopez in the controls.

I can’t find much separation with the remaining horses in the cast, so I will use the "all" button underneath my top two picks.

Monmouth Oaks Wagers

• $15 win and place #6 Allworthy ($30)
• $1.50 trifecta 2,6 with 2,6 with all ($21)
• 10-cent superfecta 2,6 with 2,6 with all with all ($8.40)