By Steve Sherack
In this continuing series, TDN's Senior Racing Editor Steve Sherack tracks down top horses on the sidelines.
'TDN Rising Star' Munnys Gold (f, 2, Munnings–Haraawa, by Medaglia d'Oro), missing in action since airing by 14 1/2 lengths with a gaudy 101 Beyer Speed Figure on debut at Monmouth Park June 17, is targeting the upcoming $100,000 Glitter Woman S. at Gulfstream Park.
“She's been back in full training with Todd [Pletcher] now for about three months,” said Jacob West, advisor to owners Robert and Lawana Low.
“She's being pointed towards the Glitter Woman. It was supposed to be on New Year's Day, but the race didn't fill. They backed it up a week, and, hopefully, some more horses show up and we can get lucky there.”
Munnys Gold, a $92,000 FTKNOV weanling turned $300,000 FTKJUL yearling, has posted nine workouts at Pletcher's Palm Beach Downs base since late October, most recently covering four furlongs in :50.33 (32/56) Dec. 24. Her worktab also includes a four-furlong bullet in :48.79 (1/25) Nov. 26.
“She's a tough filly to train in the mornings,” West said. “She's very aggressive in her training. Todd and his staff have done an incredible job with her. They seem like they've got her in a really good groove now.”
As for what kept Munnys Gold on the sidelines, West added, “She just had a little bruised foot. And it was one of those things–it was just stinging and stinging and stinging. It took her a while to get over. Mr. and Mrs. Low are incredible owners and incredibly patient. We just were extra cautious with her because we know she has talent and ability. We took our time and brought her back slowly. It seems to be all systems go right now.”
Munnys Gold earned the highest Beyer Speed Figure for a 2-year-old filly in her lone start in 2022. The distant runner-up finisher that day Alma Rosa (Sharp Azteca) has since added a win in Delaware's White Clay Creek S. and a runner-up finish in Monmouth's Sorority S.
The second winner from as many to make the races for her unraced dam, Munnys Gold hails from the extended female family of champion 2-year-old colt Anees. The Munnings over Medaglia d'Oro cross is also responsible for GIII Longacres Mile H. winner Barkley. Munnys Gold, bred in Florida by Nicksar Farms, is one of 10 'Rising Stars' for her leading sire.
“She overimpressed us and we're hopeful that she can continue on and live up to the hype from the first race,” West concluded.
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