By Christie DeBernardis
Champion Jaywalk (Cross Traffic) looks to repeat her dominant victory in the GIII Delaware Oaks as the heavy favorite in Saturday's GIII Monmouth Oaks. Taking home an Eclipse Award last year after decisive scores in the GI Frizette S. and GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies, the gray appeared to have lost some of her luster this term, starting with a fourth as the 1-5 chalk in Gulfstream's GII Davona Dale S. Mar. 2. Fading to third at even-money in Keeneland's GI Central Bank Ashland S. Apr. 6, she crossed the line sixth next out in the May 3 GI Kentucky Oaks, but was disqualified and placed last for interference at the start that caused another filly to clip heels and somersault. Given a bit of a class break and adding blinkers in the July 6 Delaware Oaks, Jaywalk returned to her juvenile form with a nine-length tour de force. Her trainer John Servis and part-owner Cash is King will also be represented by Lady Banba (Into Mischief), who entered off an optional claimer score in the slop at Parx July 23.
New Jersey native Horologist (Gemologist) enters on a three-race win streak. Capturing a Gulfstream optional claimer Mar. 8, the bay followed suit with a local N2X score May 25 and took the state-bred Smart N Classy S. last out June 9.
Another with plenty of experience over this strip is the Pat McBurney-trained Sweet Sami D (First Samurai), who steamrolled an optional claimer field by 20 3/4 lengths June 2. Second next out over this track and trip June 30, she checked in second in the turfy Just Jenda S. July 28.
Rounding out the quintet is Stay Smart (Stay Thirsty), who enters off a pair of strong victories here June 21 and July 7.
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