Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association of New Jersey
Ballybrit Stable’s homebred turf specialist Gold Trust continued his love affair with the Monmouth Park turf course on September 14, securing the 7th running of the Joey P. Handicap. The victory marked a milestone for the 4-year-old gelding, winning the first stakes race of his career.
Bred in New Jersey by his trainer, veteran horseman Mike Dini, Gold Trust once again demonstrated the tactical versatility that has become his hallmark. Breaking sharply from the gate, he vied for the early lead along the inside rail before jockey Francisco Martinez smartly took him back off the pace to secure a stalking position behind the frontrunners.
As the field turned for home, Gold Trust swung three-wide into the clear and surged past the dueling leaders Perrotto and Smithwick's Spice, drawing off powerfully to win by a decisive length and a half at the wire. The performance underscored his growing maturity and finishing kick, attributes that have carried him to back-to-back victories and three wins from his last four starts.
By Handsome Mike out of the Touch Gold mare Taty’s Gold, Gold Trust has steadily climbed the ranks this season to emerge as one of Monmouth Park’s most promising turf sprinters.