Pure Sensation guts out third Turf Monster success

Nearly two months after losing for the first time in five outings over the Parx turf, Pure Sensation was back in the groove Monday in the $300,000 Turf Monster H. (G3), edging Vision Perfect by a neck to claim his second consecutive win in the five-furlong dash and third overall since 2015.

Dueling for the lead all the way from post 1, Pure Sensation re-claimed the advantage inside the final furlong under Kendrick Carmouche and won in a time of :56.42 over good ground. He paid $9.

Finishing a half-length behind Vision Perfect was Rainbow Heir, who was making his first start since January following a tour of duty at stud. Imprimis, the 2-1 favorite in the field of eight, was a nose farther back in fourth.

Bred in Florida by owner Patricia Generazio, Pure Sensation  is trained by Christophe Clement. His record now stands at 29-10-5-5, $1,546,050.

In addition to his three wins in the Turf Monster, Pure Sensation has captured the Parx Dash (G3) twice, the Jaipur (G3), the Belmont Turf Sprint, and the Quick Call at Saratoga. His only loss at Parx was on July 7 when he ran third in his three-peat attempt at the Parx Dash.

Pure Sensation could make a fourth appearance in the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint (G1) this November at Churchill Downs. He finished eighth in 2015 at Keeneland, third in 2016 at Santa Anita, and fifth last year at Del Mar.

The seven-year-old gray gelding is by Zensational and out of the multiple stakes-winning, Disco Rico mare Pure Disco. Pure Sensation has a younger stakes-winning half-brother, Salute the Colonel.