Setback Delays Return of Champion Monomoy Girl
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Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt
Monomoy Girl grazes May 8 at WinStar Farm
Monomoy Girl, last year's champion 3-year-old filly, is being evaluated for what trainer Brad Cox hopes is merely a muscle strain. The setback will force her to miss a title defense in the Nov. 2 Longines Breeders' Cup Distaff (G1) at Santa Anita Park.
Speaking in the Churchill Downs paddock Sept. 14, Cox said Monomoy Girl is currently at WinStar Farm in Versailles, Ky., where she will remain as her team has her examined.
"Probably know something more Wednesday or Thursday," Cox said. "It will kind of tell us where we are with her, short-term plans."
Daily Racing Form's Marty McGee first reported the filly pulled a gluteal muscle in her workout Sept. 7 at Churchill. She has not raced this year, having been sidelined by colic.
Monomoy Girl was seemingly a few weeks away from a race, as Cox mentioned a series of stakes in late September and early October that could have led to the Breeders' Cup.
The 4-year-old daughter of Tapizar —Drumette, by Henny Hughes, won six of seven races last year, including the Longines Kentucky Oaks (G1) and the Distaff, both at Churchill.
She returned to training this summer, first at WinStar and later with Cox at Churchill Downs. Owned by Michael Dubb, Monomoy Stables, The Elkstone Group, and Bethlehem Stables, Monomoy Girl has won nine of 11 races and more than $2.95 million.