Kentucky Derby Horse Profile: Mr. Monomoy

Madaket Stables, Michael Dubb and Doheny Racing Stable’s Mr. Monomoy earned his first stakes win following his 2 ½-length tally in the first division of the Risen Star (G2) at Fair Grounds. In the process, the winner picked up 50 points on the “2020 Road to the Kentucky Derby” challenge series for his efforts. The bay completed nine furlongs on the fast main surface in 1:50.43 with Florent Geroux in the stirrups.

Mr. Monomoy is trained by Brad Cox and was unveiled on October 19 at Keeneland in a six-furlong maiden special weight event. Breaking last in his debut offering, the youngster picked up horses late to finish a respectable fourth in a strong sprint field. He was victorious second time out when leading throughout at Churchill Downs, crossing the wire more than five lengths in front.

The Kentucky-bred faced allowance foes at Fair Grounds in his third assignment and fell a head short while going a route of ground for the initial time. He preceded his Risen Star triumph with a clear third-place finish in the recent Lecomte (G3) on the surface. The colt has also improved his BRIS Speed figure with each lifetime performance to date (78-87-88-92-96).

Mr. Monomoy was bred in the Bluegrass State by FPF and Highfield Ranch, and he passed through the auction ring on a pair of occasions. The son of Palace Malice brought the gavel down at $60,000 as a weanling at Keeneland November in 2017, prior to fetching a bid of $202,230 at the 2019 Arqana May Breeze-Up Sale at Deauville.

He was produced from the winning Henny Hughes mare Drumette, making him a half-brother to champion Monomoy Girl.

The winner has speed, versatility, and improving form. He is kin to a superstar and appears to be following in her footsteps. While Mr. Monomoy must still prove himself against the upper echelon of his division, he is surely heading in the right direction at this stage of his development.