Excitement in the 'air' for London game Oct 24, 2008
It's the second year of the two-day Breeders' Cup, and at least we know this much: The weather won't mar the festivities at Santa Anita, as it did last year at Monmouth Park in New Jersey, unless it's from heat stroke. What we don't know is whether more people will be paying attention. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
Gosden supports Breeders' Cup drug efforts Oct 24, 2008
PERFECT FORECAST: Last year's Breeders' Cup at Monmouth Park in New Jersey was one of the wettest in the series' 24-year history. Heavy rain turned the turf course into a soft bog and the main track became a sea of slop. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
Trainer debuts in Cup contest Oct 24, 2008
Brown was at the Breeders' Cup last year at Monmouth Park in New Jersey, working as an assistant for Frankel and saddling Frankel's Ginger Punch to a win in the Distaff. Frankel did not make the trip, choosing instead to stay home in California with his ailing dog, Happy. (Albany Times Union)
Former winners meet again in Breeders' Cup Turf Oct 23, 2008
On Friday, expected celebrity lineup includes actors Allison Janney and Rachael Harris, chef Bobby Flay, Los Angeles Dodgers manager Joe Torre and "Survivor'' host Jeff Probst.On Saturday, Breeders' Cup goodwill ambassador Kurt Russell kicks off the opening ceremonies, and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger will present the trophy to the Classic winner.Other star sightings could include actors Dennis Hopper, Mary-Kate Olsen, Jerry O'Connell, Pierce Brosnan, Amy Adams, Jerry Ferrara, Julian McMahon, Mel... (MSNBC -- Sports)
Satellite wagering facilities hoping to be in no-fire zone Oct 23, 2008
That would be a complete and welcome reversal from the circumstances on Oct. 26-27 of last year when the Cup was staged at Monmouth Park in New Jersey. Wildfires that raged in San Diego County threatened facilities and necessitated the shutdown of the Viejas Casino and its race book for both days of the Breeders' Cup. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
Curlin 7-5 favorite in Breeders' Cup Classic Oct 22, 2008
Last year, Curlin won the Classic by 4 1/2 lengths on a sloppy track at New Jersey's Monmouth Park. He's expected to run in ideal conditions Saturday, with the forecast calling for sunshine and temperatures in the low 80s. (Boston Globe)
Curlin installed as heavy favorite for Classic Oct 22, 2008
Last year, Curlin won the Classic by 4 lengths on a sloppy track at New Jerseys Monmouth Park ... Saturdays 6-furlong race will be just his second start this year and third since winning the Sprint by 4 lengths last year at Monmouth Park. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Breeders' Cup Juvenile attracts top 2-year-olds Oct 22, 2008
Saturday's 6-furlong race will be just his second start this year and third since winning the Sprint by 4 lengths last year at New Jersey's Monmouth Park. Midnight Lute will be ridden by Garrett Gomez and break from the No. 4 post. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
Breeders Cup hopefuls in final tune-ups Oct 21, 2008
DRF: Breeders Cup hopefuls in final tune-ups - Horse Racing - nbcsports. Leading Breeders' Cup contenders in final drills. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Workouts for upcoming Breeders' Cup in full swing Oct 19, 2008
"Music Note most recently won the Gazelle at Belmont on Sept. 13. Music Note, 3, will be facing older fillies in a stakes race for the first time. She is the only 3-year-old in the Ladies' Classic, which had eight pre-entries.Ginger Punch, who won the Ladies' Classic last year when the race, run at Monmouth Park, was still named the Distaff, worked five furlongs in 1:00.60 for trainer Bobby Frankel.Bear Now, who is coming off a win in the Kentucky Cup Distaff at Turfway on Sept. 27, also worked... (ESPN -- Horse Racing)
Violet: American Border wins at the Meadowlands Oct 19, 2008
It was the fourth win in five starts since trainer Jason Servis claimed the 4-year-old American Border for $30,000 at Monmouth Park in June. There were multiple claims on the filly that afternoon with Servis the lucky winner of the shake. (ESPN -- Horse Racing)
European horses bring intrigue to Turf, Classic Oct 19, 2008
But given the quality and diversity of the 12 pre-entered Thursday for the race, the winning margin figures to be a lot less than the 2 -length average for the four runnings since, skewed by the 7-length runaway of English Channel a year ago at Monmouth Park in New Jersey. Counting High Chaparral in the dead heat, six of the eight Turf winners since 2000 ran their final BC Turf prep in Europe. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
Classic now an appealing spot for Awesome Gem Oct 16, 2008
Third in the 2007 BC Classic at Monmouth Park, Awesome Gem was pre-entered for the Classic and the $2 million Mile on turf Tuesday, trainer Craig Dollase said. "We'll take a shot in the Classic," Dollase said. (ESPN -- Horse Racing)
13 fillies, mares entered for Violet at Meadowlands Oct 16, 2008
Purse reductions at Calder due to a management dispute with the horsemen and the onset of another Florida summer motivated Wilensky to ship Cozzi Capital to Monmouth Park in June. "She's a tough horse to train," Wilensky said. (ESPN -- Horse Racing)
Stallion Fees Sink as Crisis Hits Racehorse Market `Plagued' by Oversupply Oct 16, 2008
Claiborne's stud fee reductions will set a precedent as broodmare owners such as Squires scale back, , a 67-year-old bloodstock agent who buys thoroughbreds for clients, said in an interview on his way to Monmouth Park Racetrack in Oceanport, New Jersey. Too Many Bad Horses. (Bloomberg -- US)
Curlin a step closer to Classic Oct 14, 2008
Curlin is the reigning Horse of the Year, and won the Classic last year when it was run at Monmouth Park. If Curlin also skips the Classic, the richest race of the year would be devoid of the two leading candidates for Horse of the Year. (ESPN -- Horse Racing)
Goldikova chooses BC Mile Oct 14, 2008
Gomez rode the Baffert-trained Midnight Lute to victory in the 2007 BC Sprint at Monmouth Park. On Monday, Midnight Lute worked five furlongs in 56. (ESPN -- Horse Racing)
Worthy winner just as likely on synthetic track Oct 11, 2008
The event that made its BC debut last year under a name inaccuracy it would have been more precise to call it the Slop Mile considering the conditions at rain-drenched Monmouth Park in New Jersey will go as a misnomer again for Year II. Considering Santa Anita's newly installed main track surface, it should be called the Pro-Ride Mile or Synthetic Mile. But last year's race produced a worthy winner in Corinthian. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
Curlin goes slow half-mile on Pro-Ride Oct 10, 2008
Curlin won last year's Classic at Monmouth Park. Monday's drill was Curlin's first since his victory in the Jockey Club Gold Cup at Belmont Park nine days earlier. (ESPN -- Horse Racing)
Cliff Hanger: Old-timers seek a return to form Oct 10, 2008
Good enough to win the Grade 2 Arcadia Handicap in April 2007, Icy Atlantic is winless in six starts since getting up by a neck in the Grade 3 Red Bank at Monmouth Park 13 months ago. He has raced just twice since May, most recently closing from last to finish second as the 2-1 favorite in last month's Red Bank. (ESPN -- Horse Racing)
BC to test early for blood-doping drugs Oct 8, 2008
The Breeders' Cup first implemented an out-of-competition testing program last year for the event at Monmouth Park in New Jersey. No horses tested positive for blood-doping drugs last year, officials said. (ESPN -- Horse Racing)
Cozzene, top sire and turf champ, dies Oct 8, 2008
That season, he set a course record at Monmouth Park, covering 1 1/16 miles in 1:41. When he retired to Gainesway for stud duties in 1985, he had earned $978,152. (ESPN -- Horse Racing)
Midnight Lute arriving just in time Oct 7, 2008
60 from the gate at Santa Anita, preparing for a defense of his victory in the 2007 BC Sprint at Monmouth Park. "I finally have him where I had him last year," Baffert said. (ESPN -- Horse Racing)
Curlin takes first trip over Santa Anita's Pro-Ride Oct 3, 2008
But every step he takes, every move he makes, will be watched closely over the next few weeks, because how Curlin adapts to Santa Anita's synthetic Pro-Ride surface will be the determining factor as to whether majority owner Jess Jackson gives the green light for Curlin to defend his title in the Classic, which he won last year at Monmouth Park. "You in?" Blasi was asked, jokingly, when he returned to the barn. (ESPN -- Horse Racing)
Breeders' Cup's biggest twist - synthetic surface Oct 3, 2008
It became a two-day event at Monmouth Park last year, when three races were added, and run on Friday, as an appetizer to the Elite Eight on Saturday. This year, three more races have been added, bringing the total to 14, worth a total of $25 million. (ESPN -- Horse Racing)
Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Sprint Oct 3, 2008
2007 -- 3 - 3 - 0 - 0 ----- wins in the Maiden Special Weight, Saratoga; the Frizette Stakes, Belmont Park; the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies, Monmouth Park. 2008 -- 7 - 5 - 2 - 0 ----- wins in the Santa Ynez S., Santa Anita; the Silverbulletday S., Fair Grounds; the Prioress S., Belmont Park,; the Test S., Saratoga; the Gallant Bloom Handicap, Belmont Park. (Suite101.com)
Curlin works for Gold Cup Sep 23, 2008
Evening Attire suffers a setbackEvening Attire was forced to scratch from Sunday's Point Given Stakes at Monmouth Park due to filling in a leg, trainer Pat Kelly said. The filling was detected after the horse arrived at Monmouth Park on Sunday morning. (ESPN -- Horse Racing)
Polytrack's role is major in Kentucky Cup Classic Sep 23, 2008
4-million bankroll on dirt, while Honest Man, a romping winner of the Iselin Handicap last out at Monmouth Park, has raced exclusively on dirt. Conversely, Stream Cat has been kept primarily on turf or synthetics, with the bulk of his $628,610 having been earned on those surfaces. (ESPN -- Horse Racing)
Evening Attire seeks two in a row on road Sep 21, 2008
The Breeders' Cup will come more clearly into focus Sunday when Evening Attire makes his first career appearance at Monmouth Park in the $100,000 Point Given Stakes at 1 1/2 miles. The career winner of $2. (ESPN -- Horse Racing)
Seer takes Monmouth County Hunt Novice Sep 21, 2008
OCEANPORT, N.J. -- Seer couldn't win on the flat at Monmouth Park last summer, but returned with a vengeance to win over jumps Saturday, taking the Grade 2, $75,000 Monmouth County Hunt Novice Stakes in a mild upset over Be Certain. Owned by Sheila Williams and trained by Jack Fisher, the winner charged past pacesetter Dr. Bloomer and favorite Be Certain in the final furlong to score by a head under Xavier Aizpuru. (ESPN -- Horse Racing)
Jump racing back at Monmouth in key novice event Sep 20, 2008
Leading novice steeplechasers Be Certain and The Price Of Love face off for the third time this year as jump racing returns to New Jersey's Monmouth Park on Saturday. The $75,000 Monmouth County Hunt Stakes lured a field of eight, including the top two young steeplechasers in the country. (ESPN -- Horse Racing)
Midnight Lute on the mend; targets BC Sprint Sep 20, 2008
He won the 2007 sprint championship on the basis of two major stakes wins - the Grade 1 Forego Handicap at Saratoga and the Breeders' Cup Sprint at Monmouth Park. Midnight Lute was plagued by minor ailments earlier this year that prevented him from starting in the winter and spring. (ESPN -- Horse Racing)
Racing was fair game to them Sep 20, 2008
"I don't remember, but I know my father took me to the Weymouth Fair when I was really little," said Dibona, who now lives in Florida and races at Gulfstream Park in the winter and at Monmouth Park in New Jersey in the summer. Eventually, Corrigan switched to Dibona and the partnership (under the name of Leo-Sag Stable; Dibona also owns a piece of Cuba with Corrigan and Levesque) has worked out well. (Boston Globe -- Sports)
Big Brown wins final tuneup for Breeders' Cup Sep 18, 2008
Iavarone and Monmouth Park general manager Bob Kulina walked the turf course Saturday morning and afternoon with Robert Clay, the owner of Three Chimneys Farm where Big Brown will retire to stud later this year, just to make sure it was OK after being soaked by overnight rains ... The win was Big Brown's second straight at Monmouth Park after his disaster in the Belmont Stakes ... The effort was appreciated by the 17,047 fans who attended the Monmouth Park card and cheered as Big Brown came back... (ESPN -- Horse Racing)
Big Brown will work at home for Breeders' Cup Sep 16, 2008
OZONE PARK, N.Y. -- Having gotten a useful and successful race into Big Brown last Saturday at Monmouth Park, trainer Richard Dutrow Jr. can sit back and watch the last few rounds of Breeders' Cup prep races run without any feeling any pressure. "We got ours, we're sitting and waiting," Dutrow said on a warm, breezy morning at Aqueduct, where he worked eight horses for upcoming races. (ESPN -- Horse Racing)
Trujillo breaks wrist in spill Sep 14, 2008
Jockey Elvis Trujillo will be out a minimum of six to eight weeks after fracturing his right wrist in a spill at Monmouth Park on Friday. Trujillo was aboard Carson Hall in the seventh race on Friday when apparently the rider's feet slipped out of the irons and he fell. (ESPN -- Horse Racing)
Big Brown will be pushed in Monmouth turf race Sep 14, 2008
Trainer Kiaran McLaughlin says his 8-year-old Shakis is going to keep Big Brown out of the winner's circle when the two face nine rivals in the $500,000 Monmouth Stakes on the turf at Monmouth Park on Saturday. Big Brown, who will be ridden by Kent Desormeaux, drew the No. 4 post position for the race at Monmouth Park at Oceanport, New Jersey. (WKRC.com, OH)
Big Brown barely holds on to win Monmouth Sep 14, 2008
Big Brown put another exclamation point on a magnificent 3-year-old season and set up a potential showdown against last years horse of the year with a courageous front-running victory over older horses in the $500,000 Monmouth Stakes on Saturday at Monmouth Park ... Iavarone and Monmouth Park general manager Bob Kulina walked the turf course Saturday morning and afternoon with Robert Clay, the owner of Three Chimneys Farm where Big Brown will retire to stud later this year, just to make sure... (MSNBC -- Sports)
Big Brown holds off late charge to win Monmouth Stakes Sep 14, 2008
Big Brown, right, with jockey Kent Desormeaux riding, wins the Monmouth Stakes horse race on the turf at Monmouth Park in Oceanport, N.J. Proudinsky (6), with jockey Ramon Dominguez, made a late charge to finish second ... Big Brown put another exclamation point on a magnificent 3-year-old season and set up a potential showdown against last year's horse of the year with a courageous front-running victory over older horses in the $500,000 Monmouth Stakes on Saturday at Monmouth Park ... Iavarone... (USA Today -- Sports)
Big Brown vs. Curlin? Brown's owners want match-up Sep 14, 2008
Big Brown put another exclamation point on a magnificent 3-year-old season and set up a potential showdown against last year's Horse of the Year with a victory over older horses in the $500,000 Monmouth Stakes on Saturday at Monmouth Park in Oceanport, N.J.. "I can't wait to run against Curlin," Big Brown co-owner Michael Iavarone said. (Yahoo News -- Auto Racing)
Horse of the Year narrative has changed Sep 13, 2008
Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Big Brown is escorted by groom Jose Rodriguez as he arrives at Monmouth Park in Oceanport, N.J., Friday. . (MSNBC -- Sports)
Dutrow's wish for Big Brown is answered by Monmouth Sep 13, 2008
When Dutrow wanted a race for the Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner about 40 days in advance of the Breeders' Cup, and couldn't find anything suitable on existing calendars, he put the word out to racing secretaries at Belmont, Philadelphia and Monmouth parks ... We have today's inaugural, made-for-Big Brown, $500,000 Monmouth Stakes (marked down to $200,000 if, for some reason, Big Brown doesn't run) at Monmouth Park in New Jersey. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
Monmouth Stakes Sep 12, 2008
Try the NEW ESPN Search. By Jeremy PlonkHorseplayerPro. (ESPN -- Horse Racing)
Indian Blessing could challenge boys Sep 12, 2008
Classic Neel supplements to DamselTo say that Rick Violette wasnt happy with the ride Carlos Marquez gave Classic Neel in an allowance race last month at Monmouth Park would be an understatement. Making his first start since last year, Classic Neel was checked from between horses before clipping heels with the eventual winner and stumbling when she tried to get moving again. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Monmouth Stakes gives Big Brown lead time before Breeders' Cup Sep 12, 2008
With an eye toward having the nation's premier 3-year-old as fit and ready as possible for the $5 million Breeders' Cup Classic, Big Brown will return to his roots by running on turf in the Monmouth Stakes on Saturday at New Jersey's Monmouth Park. HASKELL INVITATIONAL. (USA Today -- Sports)
Crowd forms in Jersey Sep 12, 2008
Instead of racing on the dirt, the Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner will make his final prep for the biggest day in thoroughbred race by facing 10 rivals in the $200,000 Monmouth Stakes on the turf at Monmouth Park on Saturday. The value of the race will increase to $500,000 if Big Brown starts. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Alaska seals up postcard contest as top destination Sep 7, 2008
Four of you sent cards from gambling resorts, including the longest card, which shows the horse track at Monmouth Park in New Jersey. ANIMALS: Fourteen postcards showed animals or birds. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Who'll face Big Brown for $500K at Monmouth? Sep 5, 2008
Get Serious, who was gelded earlier this year, has impressed since returning from the layoff, winning two straight on the Monmouth Park turf course. While the Monmouth Stakes would be a boost in class for Get Serious, trainer Pat McBurney feels like he's ready for better, whether it's here, in Philly, or even in the Ashley T. Cole Stakes for New York-breds on Sept. 14 at Belmont. (ESPN -- Horse Racing)
Anak Nikal wins Pennsylvania Derby Sep 2, 2008
With 13-time Monmouth Park riding champion Joe Bravo in the saddle, the 3-year-old worked his way through traffic on the far turn, switched to the middle of the track in the home stretch and seized the lead within the shadow of the finish line. Anak Nikal, who was 16-1 and won for the third time in 10 lifetime starts, finished a neck ahead of Acai. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Schumacher sets NHRA records vith victory Sep 2, 2008
Anak Nikal, with 13-time Monmouth Park riding champion Joe Bravo in the saddle, surged ahead of the favorites to win the $1 million Pennsylvania Derby at Philadelphia Park. Brownie Points, rallied in the stretch to pass Tricky Causeway and win the $148,500 Edward J. DeBartolo Memorial Breeders' Cup Handicap in Oklahoma City. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
Buffalo Man beats Icy Atlantic Aug 31, 2008
OCEANPORT, N.J. -- Buffalo Man rallied to beat defending champion Icy Atlantic by three-quarters of length Saturday in the Grade 3, $150,000 Red Bank Stakes on the turf at Monmouth Park. It was the third win in eight starts this season for the 4-year-old colt and second Grade 3 win of season to go with the Appleton Handicap at Gulfstream Park. (ESPN -- Horse Racing)
Saranac: Turf experiment for Ready's Echo Aug 31, 2008
Fellow Crasher to miss Hopeful Fellow Crasher, who beat Notonthesamepage in the Tyro Stakes at Monmouth Park, will be forced to miss the Hopeful due to an ankle injury, trainer Tony Dutrow said. Dutrow said X-rays and an ultrasound did not reveal any serious problems. (ESPN -- Horse Racing)
Make big race happen Aug 31, 2008
Big Brown won't show up there; he's on schedule to run in a $500,000 grass race at Monmouth Park on Sept. 13. The only way we are going to see this magical horse race is to have both of them show up for the Breeders' Cup Classic at Santa Anita on Oct. 25. (Albany Times Union)
Del Mar Derby: Sky Cape runs into Gio Ponti Aug 30, 2008
Gio Ponti's only loss was a troubled eighth-place finish in the inaugural Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf over a yielding turf course at Monmouth Park last October. His four wins have been on firm turf, the same conditions expected for the Del Mar Derby. (ESPN -- Horse Racing)
Finally showtime for Curlin at Spa Aug 29, 2008
His connections chose the Haskell over the Travers primarily because the Haskell was run at Monmouth Park, where the Breeders' Cup was held three months later. This year's Breeders' Cup is being held at Santa Anita over a synthetic surface, and Curlin is instead being pointed to the Jockey Club Gold Cup at Belmont Park on Sept. 27 and potentially the Japan Cup Dirt at Hanshin on Dec. 7. (ESPN -- Horse Racing)
Icy Atlantic fresh for Red Bank repeat Aug 29, 2008
OCEANPORT, N.J. -- A well-rested Icy Atlantic returns Saturday to defend his title in the Grade 3, $150,000 Red Bank Stakes at Monmouth Park. The one-mile Red Bank on the turf will be the first start for the 7-year-old Icy Atlantic since the accident-marred Elkwood Stakes here in late May. (ESPN -- Horse Racing)
Woodward favorite Curlin nears money mark Aug 29, 2008
Curlin has not lost on dirt since Aug. 5 of last year, when he was a disappointing third in the Haskell Invitational at New Jersey's Monmouth Park. He looks to be in excellent form after breezing a half mile in 49 seconds Monday at Saratoga, the fourth fastest of 25 works at that distance. (USA Today -- Sports)
Hystericalady repeats in Molly Pitcher Aug 25, 2008
Hystericalady successfully defended her title in Sunday's Grade 2 Molly Pitcher Stakes at Monmouth Park, drawing off to an eight-length victory under Robby Albarado ... Monmouth Park, 9th Race - August 24, 2008. (ESPN -- Horse Racing)
NEWS IN BRIEF Aug 24, 2008
Almonsoon drew off in the stretch to win the $70,000 Omnibus Stakes at Monmouth Park in Oceanport, N.J., scoring a seven-length win over Seeking An Angel. Trained by Todd Pletcher and ridden by Jose Velez Jr., Almonsoon, a 5-year-old mare, covered the 1 1-4 miles on the fast main track in 2:06 1/5 and returned $4 and $2. (Nola.com -- Sports)
Pacific Classic: Awesome Gem overdue Aug 22, 2008
Owned by West Point Thoroughbreds, Awesome Gem is winless in his last seven starts, a span that includes the three narrow losses as well as a well-beaten third behind Curlin in the Breeders' Cup Classic at Monmouth Park last October. A 5-year-old gelding, Awesome Gem has won 4 of 18 starts and $1,179,882. (ESPN -- Horse Racing)
Big Brown's next will be on turf at Monmouth Aug 22, 2008
With three options before him, the head of the group that owns Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Big Brown confirmed Thursday that Big Brown will make his next start in the newly created Monmouth Stakes at Monmouth Park on Sept. 13 ... Big Brown last raced at Monmouth Park on Aug. 3, winning the Grade 1, $1 million Haskell Invitational and was very well received by the crowd of 45,132 ... Naturally, Monmouth Park officials were ecstatic to learn that Big Brown is likely headed their way. (ESPN -- Horse Racing)
Three options for Big Brown's turf race Aug 21, 2008
Officials at Monmouth Park and Belmont Park said they are putting up races that fit those conditions ... Bob Kulina, the president of Monmouth Park, said his track is putting up a race called the Monmouth Stakes with a base purse of $100,000, with incentives tied in that would at least double the purse ... Big Brown is coming off a victory in the Grade 1, $1 million Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park on Aug. 3. (MSNBC -- Sports)
DRF: Curlin impresses in main-track drill Aug 20, 2008
Ahvee's Destiny, a 4-year-old daughter of Rizzi, was running back just 10 days after she won an optional claiming race at Monmouth Park on Aug. 8. She was ridden by John Velazquez. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Honest Man upsets Iselin Aug 17, 2008
OCEANPORT, N.J. - Honest Man beat 3-2 favorite Grasshopper by 2 3/4 lengths to capture the $300,000 Philip H. Iselin Stakes at Monmouth Park. With the victory, trainer Larry Jones and jockey Terry Thompson teamed up to win a Grade 3 stakes at Monmouth for a second straight Saturday. (ESPN -- Horse Racing)
Maragh enjoys his success at Spa meet Aug 17, 2008
When he moved to New York full time last winter after a successful tenure at Monmouth Park, he knew he'd eventually wind up doing well at Saratoga. The fact that it happened so quickly was a pleasant surprise. (Albany Times Union)
