OCEANPORT, N.J. (AP) -Presious Passion scored a repeat victory in the $750,000 United Nations Stakes, smashing the course record Saturday at Monmouth Park.
The 6-year-old gelding ran the 1 3-8 miles on the firm turf in 2:10.97, wiping out the mark of 2:12.89 set by English Channel in the 2007 U.N.
Leading by 20 lengths in the early stages, Presious Passion held off Lauro by 2 lengths with Brass Hat third.
The U.N. was a Breeders' Cup ``Win and You're In'' stakes, insuring Presious Passion a spot in this year's Breeders' Cup Turf.
Presious Passion was in control every step of the way. He ran fast early and late discouraging his seven rivals.
``He wants to go to the lead and I let him go as fast as he wants,'' jockey Elvis Trujillo said. ``There is no fighting this horse.''
And there is no beating him in the U.N. He is 2 for 2 in the richest grass race in New Jersey.
``He's really grown up and matured,'' trainer Mary Hartmann said. ``He's got his mind on running. I was worried when I saw the fast fractions, but when he's able to get clear up front, he relaxes nicely.
Presious Passion improved to 12 for 39, earning $450,000 for owner Patricia Generazio.
Presious Passion paid $7.40, $3.80 and $3. Lauro returned $11.20 and $7.80. Brass Hat paid $8.20 to show.
Spice Route was fourth followed by Banrock, Court Vision, Strike a Deal and Wesley.
The $250,000 Salvator Mile was also a Breeders' Cup ``Win and You're In'' stakes, giving Coal Play a spot in the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile.
Like Presious Passion, Coal Play led all the way to beat Smooth Air by 3 lengths with Solar Flare third. The 4-year-old trained by Nick Zito and ridden by Joe Bravo was timed in 1:34.54 on the fast track. Coal Play, now 5 for 14, paid $14.40 to win.
