SUNSET DISTRICT HOLDS ON IN FRIDAY FEATURE 

          Oceanport, N.J. – Metro Thoroughbreds LLC’s Sunset District came with a sweeping run around the far turn, battled throughout the lane with Muggsamatic before holding off the late surge of Holiday Bonus to capture the $40,000 allowance feature at Monmouth Park on Friday afternoon by a head. 

          Trained by Derek Ryan, Sunset District covered the mile and a sixteenth over firm turf in 1:40.83 and returned $13.80, $5.20 and $2.80 in the field of five colts and geldings.  Holiday Bonus, completed the $31.40 exacta and paid $2.80 and $2.10.  It was another neck back to Muggsamatic, who paid $2.40 to show. 

          “I knew I had to get him in the clear so that’s what I did around the turn,” said winning jockey Eddie Castro.  “He relaxed early for me and fought hard when it mattered.” 

          A 6-year-old gelded son of Curlin, Sunset District earned his first win of the season and sixth overall in Friday’s victory. 

Live racing continues at Monmouth Park on Saturday, July 1, with an 11-race program featuring the Grade 1, $300,000 United Nations Stakes.Gates open 11:30 a.m., first post 12:50 p.m.