Chelsea Durand Photo

New Money Honey gives Brown Win No. 5 in G3 Miss Grillo

by Heather Pettinger

Chad Brown picked up his record fifth training victory in the Grade 3, $200,000 Miss Grillo for 2-year-old fillies as e Five Racing's New Money Honey drew clear in the final strides to win by 2 ¾ lengths Sunday at Belmont Park. 

Ridden by Javier Castellano, the maiden daughter of Medaglia d'Oro was content to sit clear in fourth position in the early stages as Joust took the field of seven through a tepid pace, coasting through an opening quarter-mile in 25.99 seconds and the half in 51.57 with Rymska in close pursuit. Rymska took over the lead as the field turned for home but was unable to hold off a four-wide challenge by New Money Honey, who completed 1 1/16 miles over the yielding inner turf course in 1:44.58.

"She was in good position today," said Castellano. "She found a good spot. She's so strong. You don't know what you have until you try. I liked the way she did it and I think Mr. Brown put her in the right position to succeed. She's going to be competitive. She showed today she has great skill and can compete with some the best horses in the country."

Sent off as the lukewarm second choice at odds of 4-1, the winner returned $10.60 for a $2 win wager.

The victory was the first for New Money Honey, who was beaten four lengths in her Saratoga Race Course debut on September 5. A $450,000 yearling purchase, the New Money Honey earned $120,000 for the win to bring her career earnings to $136,600.

Of Brown's four previous Miss Grillo winners, Lady Eli and Maram came back later in the fall to win the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf in 2014 and 2008, respectively, while the Testa Rossi and Whatsdachances each posted respectable runner-up finishes in 2013 and in 2012, a record Brown hopes to build upon November 4 at Santa Anita Park.

"I always thought a lot of her," Brown said. "It took one start for her to get it together, but I think if she comes out of the race in good order she's earned her shot at Santa Anita. It was also nice to see her lay close to the pace in her second start. It was a slow pace, but she broke better, much more professional. I think this filly runs with some positional speed. The more I run her, the more I think she'll get tactical."

Coasted, favored at 3-2, checked in third, another 1 ½ lengths back. Create a Dream, Joust, Chubby Star and Dancing Waves completed the order of finish.