Bravo, Shuman, Gill still the leaders at Monmouth

Twenty-two days of the Monmouth Park summer meetings are in the books, and the leader boards have a very familiar face along with two newcomers to the Oceanport racetrack leading the way.

Joe Bravo, eight-time leading rider, shows the way with 30 wins, 10 more than the pair of Chuck C. Lopez and Jeremy Rose. Julian Pimentel is fourth with 18 wins, followed by Jose C. Ferrer who’s piloted home 13 winners.

The trainer’s race has a fresh face at Monmouth in front in Mark Shuman, runaway winner of the Gulfstream Park trainer’s title this year. Shuman has 15 winners, four more than Ben Perkins Jr., top trainer at the 2000 meet. In third is Tim Hills, last year’s leader, with eight wins, one more than Alan Seewald.

Tied for fifth are Richard Dutrow, John Tammaro III and James Ryerson, each with six victories.

The owner’s race also has a new face showing the way, Michael Gill. From 96 starters, Gill has 19 wins at the meet. In second is New Farm, who has five wins from 11 starts, followed by the pair of Eddie Broome and Runnin Horse Farms Inc., each with four trips to the winner’s circle.

In other horsemen’s news, Ben Perkins Jr. was named Chili’s "Horseman of the Week" after sending out two winners, including It’s A Monster to take the $60,000 Longfellow Stakes on Sunday’s card.

Ladies’ Day luncheon/fashion show set for tomorrow

Tomorrow is a special day for the misses as Monmouth Park celebrates "Ladies’ Day at the Races."

The special luncheon and Harvé Bernard fashion show will take place in the exclusive Turf Club, located on Parterre Level 1, and offers a deluxe buffet luncheon with wine, beer and soft drinks. A gift bag and door prizes, courtesy of Harvé Bernard and Boscov’s cosmetics department, is also on tap, as is a special appearance by Miss New Jersey 2003.

As always, the entire afternoon is set against a backdrop of live thoroughbred racing. Tickets are $55 and can be purchased by contacting the Special Events office at Monmouth Park, (732) 571-5547.

Month of July grandstand pass give-away Sunday

Sunday at Monmouth Park is the free Miller Lite Month of July grandstand pass giveaway. All paid admissions will receive a pass valid for free grandstand admission every day throughout the entire month of July.

Also on tap for Sunday, and every Sunday, is Family Fun Day, with clowns, pony rides, face painters, bounce houses and more to entertain the children.

This Sunday, the Cats on a Smooth Surface band will provide live music on the green.