How to bet the Monmouth Oaks

A well-matched field of nine sophomore fillies will go postward in Saturday’s $200,000 Monmouth Oaks (G3).

Monmouth Oaks Analysis

The run into the first turn could be congested with all of the pace drawn outside in the field. #5 Piece of My Heart might be the swiftest from the gate, but she will have plenty of early company.

Monmouth Oaks Contenders

#1 DREAM MARIE -- Graydar filly ran a winning race in defeat when runner-up in the Delaware Oaks (G3) most recently. Talented gray is well drawn on the inside and could have a solid pace to rally into late with Bravo in the silks.

#2 PRINCESS CADEY -- Dialed In lass has won or placed in each of her six starts since being claimed by Gonzalez. Delaware Oaks third makes her second run off the short absence, and she is a contender in a field full of them.

#3 MARKET RUMOR -- Wilkes pupil romped against special weight foes at Keeneland in preparation for her stakes debut. Daughter of Afleet Alex will need a big move forward to come out on top in this affair, however. Carlos Hernandez will guide the Kentucky-bred.

#4 HOPEFUL GROWTH -- Margotta trainee didn’t fire at Delaware last out and puts blinkers back on for her second graded try. Daughter of Tapiture graduated on debut over the Monmouth main oval, and I am expecting major improvement in her second route attempt on Saturday. Antonio Gallardo has the call atop the $160,000 yearling purchase.

#5 PIECE OF MY HEART -- Gardenia S. victress led to the top of the lane before finishing a decent fourth in the Delaware Oaks for Robertson. Flat Out chestnut stayed on well late after setting strong early splits last time, and she wouldn’t be a surprise with her best. Nik Juarez will be in the silks atop the potential pacesetter.

#6 LUCREZIA -- Delacour pupil was run off of her feet in the Acorn (G1) behind the brilliant Gamine, but she fits well in this spot and rates a big chance in my opinion. Bay by Into Mischief is a dual stakes heroine who is training swiftly in advance of her Monmouth bow. Paco Lopez will be atop the prime win contender.

#7 COMICAL -- Grade 3 queen faded quickly in the stretch in the Delaware Oaks and is difficult to back with confidence for Asmussen. Bay lass is capable on her best day, but her lack of consistency makes her a tough read.

#8 PROJECT WHISKEY -- Tapizar filly lit up the toteboard with her upset in the Delaware Oaks most recently while making her route debut, and I don’t think that it was a fluke. Reid trainee has run always well when she is put into a race early on, and I think that she will be forwardly placed once again on Saturday. Dark bay rates a big chance in her second two-turn tussle.

#9 EVE OF WAR -- Pletcher charge goes turf-to-dirt following an unplaced showing in the Regret (G3) at Churchill Downs. Speedy chestnut has substantial early foot and she is also a winner on dirt, so she can’t be ignored coming from a dynamic barn. Chris Decarlo will send the Declaration of War filly from the start.

Monmouth Oaks Wagers

• $10 Exacta Box: 6-8 ($20)
• $1 Trifecta: 6,8 with 4,6,8 with all ($28)