Pure Sensation Wins Turf Monster Thriller

Pure Sensation and Mongolian Saturday battled throughout the $300,000 Turf Monster Handicap, with Pure Sensation narrowly prevailing in a pulsating finish Sept. 7 at Parx Racing.

 

The official margin of victory for Patricia Generazio's homebred Pure Sensation, the 2-1 favorite, was a nose. Mongolian Saturday was one length clear of third-place finisher Sharp Sensation. 

 

Venerable 9-year-old gelding Ben's Cat was denied a third win in the race, finishing fifth after racing in sixth early, then splitting horses in the stretch to rally before weakening.

 

With Kendrick Carmouche riding for Christophe Clement, Pure Sensation was timed in :55.81 for the five furlongs on firm turf. 

 

The 4-year-old Florida-bred Zensational gelding improved to 4-4-2 from 13 career starts, which includes the listed Quick Call Stakes last summer at Saratoga Race Course, and lifetime earnings of $461,345. In his only other start this year, he won an optional claiming race July 31 at Saratoga after more than eight months off.

 

Pure Sensation is out of multiple stakes winner Pure Disco, by Disco Rico.

 

Richies Sweetheart launched out the gate first and ran on unchallenged to win the $300,000 Turf Amazon Handicap by two lengths. The Illinois-bred Bring the Heat filly finished five furlongs in :56.36, scoring for the fourth time in six starts this year while notching her second stakes victory. 

 

Joya Real outfinished Inspired by Grace for second in the 10-horse field.

 

Larry Rivelli trains the winner, whom he co-bred and co-owns with Richard Ravin and campaigns along with Patricia's Hope LLC. She was produced by the Officer mare Make an Offer.