Teaks North prevails in the $750,000 United Nations (G1) July 2 at Monmouth Park photo: Bill Denver/EQUI-PHOTO

Northern Afleet’s Teaks North beat a top-class field en route to a half-length triumph in the Grade 1, $750,000 United Nations S. July 2 at Monmouth Park (VIDEO). The 4-year-old won the Gulfstream Park Turf H. (G1) in February and is undefeated in four starts at Monmouth.

Northern Afleet has now accounted for 11 stakes wins in 2011, which is in the top 5 among all North American stallions.

Despite his perfect Monmouth record, Teaks North was sent off at 7-1 against a deep field that included last year’s winner of this race, Chinchon (IRE).

Making his first start at the distance of 1 3/8 miles, Teaks North was sixth at the midway point of the race. Eddie Castro, who was aboard for his win in the Grade 3 Monmouth S. last time out, came three wide into the stretch and surged past European multiple Group 1 winner Stacelita (FR). He then held off Chinchon to cross the wire in 2:13 1/5 on firm going.

“We had a nice trip,” said Castro. “He was comfortable the whole way around. When the horses from the back were starting to move, we were able to slip out and go. He really kicked it in through the stretch. I was very confident in him throughout the race.”

“It unfolded exactly as I had hoped,” said winning trainer Justin Sallusto. “He has a tremendous kick for the last quarter of a mile and you saw that today.”

The winner earned an automatic berth in the Emirates Airline Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1) Nov.5 at Churchill Downs, which Sallusto said he would point towards.

Teaks North is now 7-1-2 in 17 starts. He has earned $976,964 for owner Jules Boutelle. The winner was bred in bred in Florida by Brylynn Farm Inc. He has stakes winning siblings in Wooden Phone, a two-time Grade 2 winner, and the listed winners Chief Okie Dokie and Teak Totem.