Wednesday, August 08, 2012

Monmouth Park Barn Notes for Wednesday, August 8, 2012

VOODOO CHARM TRIES TURF IN THURSDAY FEATURE

Trainer Gregg Sacco will send Voodoo Charm to the post in Thursday’s feature, a $44,000 allowance/optional claimer set for five furlongs over the turf. And while the colt will go no matter the weather conditions, the trainer is certainly hoping some rains shift the race over to the main track.

“He’ll go either way, but I wouldn’t mind if it got rained off the turf,” said Sacco, who conditions Voodoo Charm for Pot O’Gold Stable. “The turf is an experiment. Like everything with horses, it’s trial and error. I think he’ll do well on it, but I know he can run well on the dirt.”


Run well on the dirt, indeed. Last season, Voodoo Charm, a New Jersey-bred by Devil His Due, broke his maiden in May, captured an optional claiming allowance in August and then capped his season with a victory in the New Jersey Breeders’ Handicap. From three starts this year, Voodoo Charm sports a pair of fourth-place finishes and a third, that in his most recent outing on July 20.

“He ran well in his first start back,” Sacco said. “I thought he would improve off of that effort, but they were kind of even. We’ll give the turf a try.”

As for strategy, “He’ll sit just off the pace, tip out turning for home and hopefully run by his rivals. At least that’s the plan!”

With a special 4 p.m. post time for the first of four twilight Thursday cards, the featured fifth race has an estimated post time of 5:48 p.m.


LIVE MUSIC, DRINK SPECIALS ON THURSDAY AND FRIDAY

No need to go home after the last race at Monmouth Park on Thursday and Friday, as the racetrack will host live music and drink specials both days this week.

Thursday’s live entertainment comes from Chris Morissy, who will perform on the stage adjacent to the Lady’s Secret Café as drink specials flow from 7 to 10 p.m.

On Friday, it’s Raggae Plus, taking the same stage from 6 to 10 p.m. with Island Happy Hour in full force, featuring $3 Coors Light Bottles and $4 mixed drinks all night.

Monmouth’s live Thursday program gets under at 4 p.m. for the first of four twilight cards on the last four Thursdays in August. On Friday, first post is set for 12:45 p.m.


BLANKET GIVEAWAY SET FOR THIS SUNDAY

A Monmouth Park throw blanket, produced by Bed Bath & Beyond, giveaway is set for the racetrack this Sunday, Aug. 12.

All paid admissions will receive the free deep blue plush blanket, which features the Monmouth Park logo, while supply lasts.

Gates open on Sunday at 11:30 a.m., first post 12:45 p.m

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