Skeptic, a 3-year-old Tiznow filly, earned her first stakes win with a gallant effort in the Monmouth Oaks (G3) on Saturday afternoon, fighting off the challenge of post-time favorite Sassy Sienna to win the 1 1/16-mile contest by three parts of a length.
She is the 12th stakes winner this year for Tiznow, who has been particularly strong with his 3-year-old fillies in 2018, with the likes of Red Ruby and Sirenusa also earning black type.
Skeptic got an perfect ride under Brian Hernandez, Jr. on Saturday. After breaking very well, she stalked the pace set by Starcloud before taking over the top spot with a little more than a quarter mile to run. Sassy Sienna mounted a strong challenge in the stretch, but Skeptic was more than up to the challenge, finishing the distance in 1:43.84.
“She’s got a pedigree,” said winning trainer Rusty Arnold. “She’s going to get better as she on. I think she has a chance to be a good one.”
Skeptic upped her record to 3-1-1 in seven starts and has earned $166,139 for owners G. Watts Humphrey and Ashbrook Farm. Humphrey, along with St. George Farm also bred the bay filly.
