WELL MATCHED FIELD LIKELY FOR UNITED NATIONS

Recent Good Reward S. winner Teaks North will hope to secure his second $500,000 United Nations S. (G1) trophy at Monmouth Park on Saturday.  A winner in this contest in 2011, the dark bay son of Northern Afleet is a dual stakes winner with good form here in 2013, and has an affinity for this turf oval with a superb 5-for-6 mark at Monmouth. Expect the Florida-bred to be a major factor in this one.

Boisterous was a fine winner of the Monmouth S. (G2) here on a good turf oval in prepping for this marathon event, and the Shug McGaughey trainee could have even more to offer in this one third time out in 2013. Air Support, also from McGaughey’s barn, was a fine second in this race last campaign and wouldn’t be a shocker in this one. Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1) star Little Mike didn’t fire in a pair of runs in Dubai this spring, but the Dale Romans charge has trained well as of late and is a two-time winner on this lawn. Son of Spanish Steps will likely shoot right out to the front and dare this field to run him down in the lane. Consistent Grade 1-placed Wilcox Inn, 2012 third Al Khali and Monmouth S. (G2) runner-up Big Blue Kitten, are also likely to contest this important race.

The Saturday undercard will be led by the $150,000 Salvator Mile S. (G3), while Thursday will play host to the $100,000 Jersey Shore S. (G3).