Monterey Jazz's 118 was basically earned in the same fashion that Commentator's 119 was earlier in the year.
He was uncontested on a clear lead through a very soft opening 1/4 mile. 4K claimers in the very next race on the card would post a faster opening quarter fraction at the same distance.
Monterey Jazz deserves some credit for the tremendously visually impressive nature of the win - a very cut and dry 118 Beyer with the rider up in the saddle "looking like a jump rider" the entire length of the stretch - but when the 1st quarter was posted... you basically expect something gigantic from him with the tactical position he was in.
Even with the trip and all - running five furlongs in 58 flat from the 3/4 pole to the 1/8th pole is something pretty remarkable in a two-turn route over a track that isn't especially fast.
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