Oceanport, N.J. – Gunpowder Farms’ Sea Raven sat patiently in last early on before making a sweeping move midway around the final turn and powering past Flowers for Lisa in the final jumps to capture the $41,000 allowance/optional claiming feature at Monmouth Park on Friday afternoon.

            Trained by Kelly Rubley, Sea Raven went the mile over a fast main track in 1:36.94 and returned $8.20, $3.80 and $2.40.  Post-time favorite Flowers for Lisa was a half-length behind, returning $2.60 and $2.10 and completing the $18.20 exacta.  It was another length and a half back to Cause He’s Western, who paid $3 to show.

            “There was a lot of speed in there,” said winning rider Nik Juarez.  “Kelly (trainer Rubley) has done a terrific job.  He was coming back off a five month layoff and was ready to run today.”

            A 6-year-old ridgling by Mineshaft from the Silver Charm mare Mississippi Charm, Sea Raven has won five of his 23 starts.

            Live racing continues at Monmouth on Saturday, June 17 – gates open 11:30 a.m., first post 12:50 p.m.