Monomoy Girl likely to make four-year-old debut in La Troienne Stakes

Last year’s Kentucky Oaks (G1) winner Monomoy Girl, unraced since capturing the Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1) in November, will likely not make her four-year-old debut until the La Troienne Stakes (G1) on May 3 at Churchill Downs, trainer Brad Cox said March 23 at Fair Grounds.

Last year’s champion three-year-old filly returned to the worktab on February 17 at Fair Grounds, and the Tapizar filly has registered five published workouts ahead of a 2019 campaign. There was some thought of her returning in the Apple Blossom Handicap (G1) on April 14 at Oaklawn Park, but Cox is leaning toward more time.

“I don’t want to have to worry about having her fully cranked to take on Midnight Bisou in the Apple Blossom,” Cox explained. “It’s a long year, and if we ran in the Apple Blossom we’d probably miss the La Troienne since it’s only 19 days between this year.”

Cox trains Monomoy Girl for a partnership that includes Michael Dubb, Sol Kumin and Stuart Grant. She has won nine of 11 starts, including five Grade 1 races, and has earned $2.9 million.