Big Blue Kitten gets his second United Nations Handicap

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Oceanport, NJ (SportsNetwork.com) - Big Blue Kitten, ridden by Joe Bravo, came from off the pace to capture his second United Nations Handicap at Monmouth Park.

Big Blue Kitten was the 4-1 second pick behind defending winner and 8-5 favorite Main Sequence in the 1 3/8-mile grass stakes. Nine turf runners competed in United Nations.

Trained by Chad Brown for Ken and Sarah Ramsey, Big Blue Kitten was racing well off the pace being set by Shining Copper. The 2013 United Nations champ began to advance around the far turn and drew into contention coming into the stretch. Main Sequence never challenged.

Big Blue Kitten raced down the middle of the turf course to register a 1 1/2- length victory and turn the tables on stablemate Slumber who had won last month's Manhattan Handicap over the 7-year-old.

"Joe (jockey Bravo) knows this horse and rides him best," said winning trainer Chad Brown. "This is Joe's mount and I hope there's several more Grade 1's in their future. This horse is just so consistent. What a great runner."

Twilight Eclipse was third followed by Shining Copper, Imagining, Ashleyluvssugar, Main Sequence, Sycamore Lane and Divine Oath.

The time for the United Nations was 2:11.82 on a firm turf course.

The United Nations is a Breeders' Cup Challenge "Win and You're In" race for the 1 1/2-mile Turf on Oct. 31 at Keeneland, giving Big Blue Kitten a berth in the race.

Big Blue Kitten earned $300,000 for the win to go over the $2 million mark in career earnings. The 7-year-old has 13 wins from 27 lifetime starts. Bravo was aboard for the horse's 2013 victory and rode Turbo Compressor to the winner's circle in 2012.

Big Blue Kitten paid $10.80, $3.40 and $2.60. Slumber returned $5.20 and $3.60, and Twilight Eclipse paid $3.60 to show.