Class prevails as Proxy refuses to be denied in G3 Monmouth Cup

Proxy bounced back from his disappointing Stephen Foster Stakes run with a determined gate-to-wire victory in the G3 Monmouth Cup at Monmouth Park, USA, on Saturday, 22 July.

Joel Rosario galvanised last season’s G1 Clark Stakes winner from the start and overcame some early scrimmaging to send the five-year-old on into a length lead.

Calibrate closed to press Proxy leaving the back, with Whelen Springs joining in as virtually nothing separated the trio turning in.

Proxy rallied gamely in the straight and reasserted his advantage entering the final furlong before powering further clear to cross the line two and a half lengths in front.

Trainer Michael Stidham said: “I thought that Proxy would take a stalking spot, but he got jostled around leaving the gates and Joel decided to let him show a little pace. He was brave on the lead and this should hopefully set him up for a return to G1 company.”