Madame Giry, outside, just holds off Monster Sleeping to win the Jameela. Photo by Laurie Asseo.
From a Maryland Jockey Club release
Nutmeg Stable’s Madame Giry held off a late rally by Monster Sleeping to repeat in the $125,000 Selima Stakes for Maryland-bred/sired fillies and mares, the fourth of six stakes races at Laurel Park Saturday.
Eddie Castro returned to ride the 5-year old mare for trainer Cam Gambolati after piloting her to a fifth place finish in the Smart N Fancy Stakes at Saratoga last month. This afternoon, Madame Giry had to wait behind traffic at the head of the lane, found a seam and slipped through to gain command but was under pressure to hold off Monster Sleeping to win by a neck in 1:08.54 for the 6-furlong distance over the firm turf. Tizgale finished third.
“Cam told me to rate her off the pace then make my move,” Castro said. “Every race is different with her but she runs well everywhere. We had a little traffic trouble today, nothing too bad though and she finished up very good.”
Madame Giry, who improved to four-of-five at the distance, paid $3.40.
“She was fortunate to get through,” said Gambolati. “She was in tight and she was getting a little timid. Eddie kept looking for an opening, but I had reminded him that they were going to the second wire. This horse is class. She always gives her best. She is kind of a world traveler. Turf stakes are hard to find. Now she’s going back to Florida for a stakes on November 1.”
