The Spruce Fir Handicap at Monmouth Park is a $85,000 stakes race for New Jersey-bred fillies and mares, aged three and up, contested over six furlongs on dirt. This race often highlights local talent, with several returning contenders looking to establish dominance in the sprint division.
Field Overview: Horses, Jockeys & Trainers
1. Bel Pensiero (Trainer: Anthony R. Margotta Jr. | Jockey: Ramon F. Moya)
- Pedigree: Army Mule – Milaya (Unbridled’s Song)
- Recent Form: 1st in an Allowance Optional Claiming race at Gulfstream Park (March 22, 2025).
- Analysis: A strong sprinter with tactical speed. Has performed well in Florida and returns to Monmouth with solid credentials.
2. Te Amo (Trainer: Rachael Keithan | Jockey: Fernando Jara)
- Pedigree: Uptowncharlybrown – Te Atatu (More Than Ready)
- Recent Form: 9th in an Allowance Optional Claiming race at Meadowlands (September 27, 2024).
- Analysis: Has struggled in recent starts but could improve with a better trip. Needs to show more early speed to contend.
3. Summer’s Comin (Trainer: Michael Dini | Jockey: Sonny Leon)
- Pedigree: Summer Front – Emirates Girl (Kitten’s Joy)
- Recent Form: 4th in an Allowance Optional Claiming race at Tampa Bay Downs (April 12, 2025).
- Analysis: A turf-bred filly trying dirt again. Has shown flashes of ability but needs to prove she can handle the surface.
4. Lassie’s Notion (Trainer: Ramon F. Martin | Jockey: Jorge A. Vargas Jr.)
- Pedigree: Great Notion – Daylight Lassie (Elusive Quality)
- Recent Form: 3rd in an Allowance Optional Claiming race at Monmouth Park (June 30, 2024).
- Analysis: A consistent performer at Monmouth with local experience. Could be a factor with a well-timed move.
5. Riding Pretty (Trainer: Eddie Owens Jr. | Jockey: Samuel Marin)
- Pedigree: Jack Milton – High Renaissance (Speightstown)
- Recent Form: 4th in an Allowance Optional Claiming race at Gulfstream Park (March 13, 2025).
- Analysis: A solid sprinter with good early speed. Needs to find a strong finishing kick to contend.
6. Kate’s Cuban Kiss (Trainer: Steven Krebs | Jockey: TBD)
- Pedigree: Cuba – Kate’s Cozy Kiss (Ghostzapper)
- Recent Form: 1st in an Allowance Optional Claiming race at Monmouth Park (September 14, 2024).
- Analysis: A local standout with proven success at Monmouth. Could be a major player if she maintains her form.
7. D’ Tiger Lily (Trainer: Tony Wilson | Jockey: Melissa Iorio)
- Pedigree: D’ Funnybone – Foxie Freesia (Distorted Humor)
- Recent Form: 8th in the 2022 Spruce Fir Handicap.
- Analysis: Has struggled in past editions of this race. Needs a significant turnaround to be competitive.
8. Bingo’s Birkin (Trainer: Jose Lozano Sanchez | Jockey: Samy Camacho)
- Pedigree: Sea Wizard – Future Story (Tale of the Cat)
- Recent Form: 2nd in the Pinot Grigio Handicap.
- Analysis: A strong contender with good recent form. Could be a factor if she gets a clean trip.
9. Mia’s Crusade (Trainer: Chuck Spina | Jockey: Isaac Castillo)
- Pedigree: Greenpointcrusader – Mini Moneigh (War Front)
- Recent Form: 3rd in the Pinot Grigio Handicap.
- Analysis: A two-time Spruce Fir Handicap winner, looking for a three-peat. Has won this race off long layoffs before and remains a serious threat.
Race Strategy & Predictions
- Pace Projection: Expect a fast early pace, with Bel Pensiero and Riding Pretty likely to push forward.
- Key Contenders: Mia’s Crusade is the horse to beat, but Bingo’s Birkin and Kate’s Cuban Kiss could pose a challenge.
- Potential Longshot: Lassie’s Notion has local experience and could surprise with a well-timed move.
