Earning his third straight victory on the grass here on Saturday at Belmont, the four year old John Henry bay was close throughout this affair, and managed to break free as the three to one post time favorite in the final fractions of the race.
- The Jaiper ( Grade I ) ( BC) – Purse $400.000
- Belmont Park – For Three year Olds and Upward
- Six Furlongs Turf course
- June 8th, 2019
Since this fine thoroughbred make his first steps out of the back of the trailer when he arrived at the John Henry barns, fellow barn hands would all stop and take a look at this proud steed and the aura he brought with him. Saturday’s running of the Gr. I Jaiper was just another example of what he is capable of on the track. Never really in any trouble throughout this event, he was placed perfectly by jockey Talamo as he would come off the turn for home, and taking to the mid of the track to have a clear view of the wire, he would mount a charge going forward, taking one position better onto victory.
This is now his eighth victory of his career, and his third in four starts this season. He has also doubled the return on his trainers initial investment that brought him here. It obvious his trainer was on to something when he invested boldly last December as if to say, ” I just bought my own Christmas present. ” The victory now gives him a shot at this seasons BC Turf Sprint on November 2nd. Trainer captured the BC Classic last season with Splash Mountain, so this could be another feather in his cap.
Taking to the front and trying to set a reasonable pace that would leave him some strength to finish well, D J C Racing Stables Diplomatic Leader was in control of this event getting out to opening fractions of 23.34, 45.80, and 56.99. He would be challenged by Joshua Stables Command Authority throughout the far turn and into the stretch drive, with that runner using up some strength coming out of the ten hole from the gate. While Diplomatic Leader has captured a couple of non graded titles in his career, for his first ever Graded event and a level one at that, this was a stellar effort for a three year old. Who knows whats in store for him next season, and hopefully we will see his return in the KD Turf Sprint later this season.
While Command Authority tried desperately to hang onto to his third place effort, his stablemate Unamerican would have to stick a lip out in front of him in the photo for the show money. Using a very similar effort as he used in the $75.000 Columbia, Unamerican just ran out of track. He definitely needs a minimum of a mile to make his point, even a mile and a sixteenth, but a brilliant effort all around for both of the Joshua Stable entries.
There would be a dead heat declared for the fifth place spot between Into The Light ( Mb Stables ) along the rail, and Overhauled ( Gdp Inc ) out in the center of the track, leaving Mystic Mac ( Mb Stables ) the seventh place finishing spot.
Disappointed as most of you can imagine was the running of Residue (Fractious), who placed eighth just three lengths shy of the winner. It’s obvious in hind sight that this first effort over the sod didn’t turn out as planned, and we may not see him return to the footing in the future.
Rounding out the order of finish were the lone filly Levi Sneaky ( Estero Farms ) who may use this event to step back against the ladies and bring home a share or two. Awesome Indeed ( TwinTowersRacing ) is still unsuccessful at finishing in the top three this season, and may need a drop in class to get the juices flowing once again. Finally, Audioslave ( Alydar Stables ) was the only runner to go plus 1:09 with his final time, and he too may need a non graded event to spring him back to life.
Duffer
Categories: Grade I, STAKES ARTICLES
