Oceanport, NJ- Mark Valentine’s Mr. Kisses broke alertly from the gate, went straight to the lead and never looked back, opening up late to score Friday’s $40,000 allowance optional claiming feature by five and a half lengths at Monmouth Park.

          Trained by Jorge Navarro, Mr. Kisses covered the six furlongs on the fast main track in 1:09.49 and paid $3.40, $2.80, and $2.10. Gone Abroad re-rallied to complete the $24.40 exacta and paid $7 and $4.20. It was another three and a quarter lengths back to Lazarus Project, who paid $2.60 to show.

          “He was traveling well on the backside and felt some pressure to the outside,” said winning rider Jose Ferrer. “He took off at the top of the stretch. This horse just continues to get better and better.”

          The 4-year-old gelding by Big Drama out of the Untuttable mare Tut’s Treasure improves his record to 5-4-2 in 20 career starts and is now a perfect 2-for-2 at Monmouth Park.

          Live racing continues at Monmouth Park on Saturday, August 26 – gates open early at 11 a.m., first post 12:50 p.m.