Cantankerous Cat breaks his maiden by daylight at Monmouth

Cantankerous Cat became the 10th winner of 2022 for Neolithic yesterday, breaking his maiden in a $40,000 claiming race at Monmouth Park. It was the fourth start at three for the gelding bred by Joe and Helen Barbazon, who didn’t race as a 2-year-old.

Paco Lopez rushed the gelding out of the gate and he was wedged between two rivals as they sped to the first quarter in :22.06. After a half in :44.79, Cantankerous Cat edged away from his two challengers and cruised to the wire in mid-track 2 1/4 lengths in front. He paid $3.80 as favorite, clocked in 1:10.10, and earned a check for $20,400. His ‘E’ speed figure of 80 is his career best.