Fitzroy Glispie, the breeder, owner, and trainer of Money Miser, expressed mixed emotions after the four-year-old chestnut colt's convincing win on Saturday, June 22, 2024.
While pleased with the victory, Glispie expected a more robust finish from Money Miser, who won a contest for imported three-year-olds and upward (non-winners of three) and native-bred three-year-olds and four-year-olds (non-winners of four) over 7 furlongs by six ¾ lengths.
Ridden by champion jockey Reyan Lewis, Money Miser came from behind to win in a time of 1:27.1 (24.0 x 47.0 x 1:13.2).
Glispie acknowledged that Money Miser needs a solid rider to perform at his best. "I am pleased with Money Miser's performance, but I was looking for a better final time from him. He was beaten by the same horses last time, but with a stronger rider aboard now, I knew he would get the job done. He needs a strong rider aboard as that's how you are going to get the best out of him," Glispie said.
Money Miser got out of his starting barrier in good order, getting into fourth place down the backstretch, trailing Kem (Josue Osorio), Princess Amahle (Omar Walker), and King's Crown (Paul Francis).
Money Miser moved up a spot to third, heading into the half-mile, gaining ground on the leaders with every stride. Money Miser hugged the inside rails and cut the bend entering the lane, settling in comfortably for the long run.
Lewis urged Money Miser to go, who then burst and powered home to easily win at the wire. Despite some lingering issues, Glispie believes Money Miser can hold his own at the Overnight Allowance level and will monitor his progress before planning his next move.
"He is improving, but he has been plagued with issues here and there, so we can get him together. He is now at the Overnight Allowance level, but I believe he can hold his own there. We are going to wait and see how he comes out of this race, and then we take it from there," Gillespie said.
