Tap the Gavel Race Overview

Tap the Gavel showed that he was a fan of the Jersey Shore when winning by three-quarters of a length last out at Monmouth Park. Facing winners for the first time, Tappy will have veteran jockey Jose Ferrer aboard when breaking from post 6 of 10. The duo has been assigned morning-line odds of 8-1. The 1 1/16-mile turf event has been carded as the ninth race on the day with a post time at approximately 3:59 p.m. ET.

After shipping to Monmouth Park at the beginning of May, Tap the Gavel had two decent works that led to his maiden victory at the same distance as this race. A horse that has proven to get better as he matures, Tappy put it all together in his second race on the lawn. Since that victory, Kent Sweezey said that our 3-year-old colt has really come into himself, acting like the big man on campus. Even though Tappy may be feeling that way, one of the toughest assignments for a horse is facing winners for the first time. A good note is that Kent Sweezey boasts a 25% win percentage with maiden winners last out on the turf wheeling back. We have a tough field here, but if Tappy continues to mature, he should be able to pick up a placing, or even a win.

Heavy rains are forecasted for today and if the race were to be taken off the turf, Tap the Gavel would scratch. Kent gives us an explanation above as to why we would scratch if it were to come off the grass.

About the Competition (in post position order):

Larger Than Life (8-1) is no stranger to the distance, having broken his maiden at the distance back in September. Third off a layoff is sometimes a horse’s best effort, but against this tough field, he’s not a top pick. Additionally, he is unlikely to run if this race is off the turf based on his only effort on an off track.

Due Vini (20-1) looks to be lost in what he wants to do. His best races came in his debut and against state-breds in Florida. Would back him if this were to come off the turf.

American Forces (12-1) tries the turf for the first time today. A son of American Pharoah, whose progeny have been effective on the lawn, should handle it with no issue. This is another horse that could stay in with weather in the forecast as his dirt tries have been useful.

James Jones (3-1) ran lights out during Derby Week at Churchill while breaking his maiden for trainer Chad Brown. He followed up with a subpar performance in stakes company, but drops back to find his friends. If the pattern he has run so far with Beyer Speed Figures continues, we can expect an 80+ BSF. The dam’s lone win came on good to soft turf overseas, so soft ground could help. The one to watch.

Starting Over (10-1) has yet to win since being claimed in 2019 from Jonathan Thomas. From a family that hasn’t been very productive, would avoid.

Magia Nera (8-1) also tries the turf for the first time today. Broke maiden going long on an off track and is likely entered hoping for that outcome. Kelly Breen may be known as a leading trainer at Monmouth Park, but when switching from dirt to turf there, he only finds success 6% of the time.

Inflation Adjusted (6-1) is the “other Chad” in the race. An angle that has become infamous among bettors when Chad Brown has two horses entered in the same race, usually bet the one with longer odds. Coming off a long layoff is no worry for Chad as he is striking at 29%. Much prefer over his other entrant as Inflation Adjusted improved nicely from his first to second start.

Future Victory (7-2) looms large with leading jockey Paco Lopez aboard for Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher. The duo has combined to win 31% of the time at Monmouth over the last year and 30% at all tracks. Future Victory alone is impressive having run an 84 BSF last out second off the layoff. The one to beat.

Dominate Themoment (9-2) has the outside post if we stay on the turf and is making his first start for trainer Robert Mosco. With lack of pace, he could be sent to the front. Mosco is winless at Monmouth so far this season, but is striking at 18%. Could be interesting if the price floats up.

[Main Track Only Entrants]

Stefano (15-1) has two wins that both came in off the turf events and both at the distance. Rory Huston does not win often, but Stefano has proven a decent horse for him. Would use if off turf.

God is Love (12-1) makes his first start for Carlos David who is 29% with first time starters on the year. Form has been empty, but the trainer seems to step horses up.