News & Barn notes

Phonemyposseagain Tries Stakes Company for First Time in Tyro

August 04, 2017

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Phonemyposseagain will look to make it back-to-back victories when he tries the turf for the first time in Sunday’s $60,000 Tyro Stakes for two-year-olds going five and a half furlongs at Monmouth Park.

            “He’s been training really well,” said trainer Chuck Spina. “He’s run well in each of his races against some tough company including a stakes winner and this spot isn’t easy either. He’s well rested and looks ready to go for Sunday.”

            The son of Posse out of the Phone Trick mare Phone Express broke his maiden in his third start by 3 ¾ lengths against New Jersey breds on July 2 at Monmouth. In his first two starts, he has finished second in each behind good company in Wesley Ward’s filly Schianti, who beat the boys that day, and Firenze Fire, who won the Grade 3 Sanford Stakes at Saratoga in his next start. Jose Ferrer has been aboard for all three starts and has the call once again on Sunday.

            Owned by Joseph and Gayle Ioia, Phonemyposseagain has worked once leading up to his run in the Tyro. That breeze came on July 27 when he went four furlongs in :49 2/5 over a fast Monmouth main track.  

            The two main threats to Phonemyposseagain appear to be Hemp Hemp Hurray for Wesley Ward and Todd Pletcher’s Earth, both broke their maiden on the turf in their first try.

The only other Tyro entrant to break their maiden on the grass was Coop Tries Harder for Jane Cibelli, who went wire-to-wire in his first try on turf and around two turns on July 5.

The Tyro will run as race 9 on Sunday’s 10-race card. Gates open at 11:30 a.m. with first post set for 12:50 p.m.