EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – Baby Blocks was able run down pace-setting 29-1 shot Jeremiahtwentynine in deep stretch and then had enough in reserve to hold off 1-2 favorite Grunge for a 1½-length victory in Saturday night’s featured $36,000 allowance during the Monmouth at Meadowlands meet.

Ridden by Francisco Martinez, Baby Blocks settled into a stalking trip in third place through early fractions of :22.48 and :43.72 before launching off the final turn in the five-furlong turf dash.

The winning time over a turf course listed as firm was :57.51.

Trained by Blake Kelly and owned by Purpura Racing, Baby Blocks posted her eighth career win overall and sixth on the grass.

The Florida-bred 5-year-old daughter of Rogueish returned $14.20 to win.

Grunge’s rally for second was 1¼ lengths better than Jeremiahtwentynine, who held for third in the field of eight 3-year-olds and up.

Racing resumes Friday, Oct. 9, with a six-race all-turf card.

First race post time is 7 p.m.