Oceanport, NJ- Matalona Thoroughbreds  LLC’s Stormy Embrace broke a bit slowly before hustling up just behind the leaders and squeezing through on the rail at the top of the stretch to score a length and three-quarters victory in Friday’s $40,000 allowance optional claiming feature at Monmouth Park.

Trained by Kathleen O’Connell, Stormy Embrace covered the six furlongs over the fast main track in 1:10.77 as the 2/1 favorite in the field of seven fillies and mares and paid $6.40, $3.60 and $2.40. Filibustin fought on to complete the $38.20 exacta and paid $5.20 and $3.20. It was a head back to Jezzie, who paid $2.40 in the show mutuel.

“She started a little slow, so we had to hustle up early in the race,” said winning rider Wilmer Garcia. “She had no problem staying tight on the rail. I got her in the right spot and she had plenty left in the stretch. I was very happy with her.”

The 3-year-old filly by Circular Quay out of the Stormy Atlantic mare Stormy Allure boosts her record to 3-3-0 in 10 lifetime starts, good for earnings of over $130,000.

            Live racing continues at Monmouth on Saturday, July 22 – gates open 11:30 a.m., first post 12:50 p.m.