The trainers of the twelve entrants for the G1 Jerkens Memorial were kind enough to give their thoughts about their horse(s) in Saturday’s $500.000 contest. Trainers were asked to comment on their charge’s season, when they decided to enter, and how they’ve trained up to the race. Here’s what they had to say:
Dime Defense (Asgar): “He posted a decent time in his last race, so while this is obviously a huge step up and comes a bit sooner than ideal, I thought we’d give it a shot and see what happens.”
Golden Treasure (Mb Stables): “From really modest beginnings it’s really incredible to see how far Golden Treasure has come. He’s just plain fast. He’s run great every time I’ve had him and while he doesn’t always win I know he always gives a good effort. He’s the type of horse I love to have because any race situation any surface I know he’s game.”
High Crimes (Alydar Stables): “To be honest, I was hoping for better when I acquired him but except for the SA Derby, he hasn’t run that bad. Though I haven’t given up on turf, I think he prefers 7f to 1m on the dirt and the Jerkins fits the bill. High Crimes has been working steady and should be ready to run Saturday with Pennington at the controls. A better draw would have been nice though.”
Papa Nature (Night Rider Stables): “It’s been an up and down year for this horse. He’s always indicated to be a top tier runner. I got carried away trying to get him in the Derby and that threw him off a bit. He seems most effective at sprinting. If i geld him that would likely put him to the next level but I love his pedigree as a stallion prospect so holding off on that right now. I’m hoping he can win this race but realistically, he seems like a rank outsider. The good news is , and I hope, he’s going to develop into a nice older horse.”
Roundhead (Riggins Racing): “I just thought that this horse deserved a shot based on his continual improvement in 2021. It seems like his best days are ahead of him. Despite going up against much more seasoned horses, I thought his last effort right there at SAR gave me the confidence to enter him. We get Luis Saez again too. Kept him at the farm and have trained him at SAR since July and seems to like the terrain. He should be a long shot but definitely in the form at a place that anything can happen.”
Rullah Party Crystal (Martyparty): “Rullah has always been a cut above most of my barn. I liked the 2 wins as a 2 year old and the Jerkins was on my radar for him for a while as he seems to like 7F the best. He’s only training ok coming into the race, but he was that way before winning (DH) in the Barrera. Hoping for my first G1 win and that should hopefully get him into the Breeders Cup as well.”
Shifu Tan (Keikowin Stables): “Shifu Tan is a talented colt and hes been working teriffic. Found out last race he hates off tracks and I’m not very pleased with him getting the outside hole every big race he runs, but hey, thatsa how support rolls.
Entered him after his last race. Expecting a win here from him as these look easy. ;)”
Smokin Luka (Mb Stables): “I know in horse racing there is a tendency to focus on what’s happened recently, but I believe that when given a fair chance to win Smokin Luka is as talented as almost any horse I have in the barn. He was put in situations the last two races he just couldn’t do well in but hopefully things are different Saturday. He’s training fantastic.”
Starboy At A Cross (Rock Creek): “Feel like 7F is his best distance, he naturally likes coming from a bit off of the pace so i do want some early speed from other horses in field. Tends to be in the money although off form in last race a bit. And i really want to see if he has what it takes to compete with the best and see if i can get into Breeders Cup.”
The Captain (Mb Stables): “In the late spring and early summer The Captain has really found himself. His only career blemishes are on off tracks, and in a ridiculous engine fiasco in the Battaglia where basically if you didn’t break 1-2-3 you weren’t winning. That engine is long gone and this horse is much better now. I tried to stretch him out and I didn’t like what I saw so I feel maybe the 7-8.5 furlong distance is more his prime trip.”
Tko (Fractious): “Had really high hopes for him heading into the derby having won 2 prep races. Unfortunately, things haven’t panned out too well through the TC races and after. Not sure what direction I will end up going but thought I would try him at an elongated sprint which he showed he could do when he was 2. Maybe it will wake him up.”
Ziconic (Smokey Stover): “I love horses like Ziconic! He has finished top 2 in 9 of his 10 career starts. That is the best in my barn and suggests he has a huge heart! I made the decision to enter after his last race. I think he is a long shot in the race based on his training but given his performances in his last four I thought he deserved a chance to see if he can make the step up in class.”
Again, it can’t be stated enough how appreciative I am for all of the contestants to take the time to give their thoughts. Hopefully we see everyone get their perfect trip and have a great race on Saturday in the $500.000 G1 Jerkens Memorial!
Categories: STAKES ARTICLES
