by Ron Parker
Lael Stables’ My Princess Jess took the lead at the top of the stretch and held off a late bid from Much Obliged to win the $150,000 Boiling Springs Stakes (G3) on Saturday at Monmouth Park for new owners Roy and Gretchen Jackson and new trainer Barclay Tagg.
The three-year-old Stormy Atlantic filly completed 1 1/16 miles on firm turf in 1:39.81, topping the previous course record of 1:40.41 set by Giant Wrecker on June 30, 2006.
“I was very impressed, we all were,” Tagg said after the record-setting performance.
Encanto Park led the way for the first six furlongs of the Boiling Springs while jockey Joe Bravo settled My Princess Jess in fifth then fourth. Bravo swung My Princess Jess wide on the turn and she seized command, opening a 3 1/2-length lead in early stretch.
“Barclay Tagg makes me look good,” Bravo said. “This filly was much the best today.”
Much Obliged, who trailed the nine-horse field through a half-mile, mounted a serious run at the winner but came up a neck short at the wire. Much Obliged was 3 1/2½ lengths clear of third-place finisher Forest Trail.
The Boiling Springs was the second consecutive stakes victory and the first graded stakes win for My Princess Jess, who won the Gaviola Stakes on May 8 at Belmont Park for former owner Georgica Stable.
“She looked like she’d be a real nice turf filly, so we purchased her after her last race,” Roy Jackson said. “I just thought she was improving and she ran very well this afternoon.”
My Princess Jess is the first foal to race out of the Pleasant Colony mare Jewell of Jewels. She is from the female family of multiple Grade 1 winner and 1996 champion older female Jewel Princess.
My Princess Jess increased her earnings to $195,420 with three wins and three seconds in six starts. Tagg said she would probably race next during the Saratoga Race Course meet.
For an Equibase chart, click here.
Ron Parker is a Thoroughbred Times contributing writer