The 8-year-old Jackman’s Ride put on a dazzling display of speed to win the first stakes race of his career in the inaugural $250,000 Great West Sunday at Remington Park. He won by a length over Eakly, while it was another neck back in third to Bad Beat Brian.
There was a dead heat for fourth between Dark Afternoon and Usually Wrong.
The Great West, a five-furlong turf sprint for 3-year-olds and up, made its debut on the Oklahoma Derby Day card of eight stakes worth more than $1.3 million. It drew a field of 12.
Jackman’s Ride ($28.60) moved to the lead at the start of the Great West and was unchallenged through an opening quarter in 21.29 seconds. He proceeded to take the field through a half-mile in 43.76 before finishing up the distance on firm ground in 55.52.
“He’s jack-fast,” winning co-owner Steve Dupuy said in an interview broadcast by Remington.
Jockey Rene Diaz was aboard for trainer J.R. Caldwell. The rider was asked by Remington publicity what the instructions generally are with a quick horse like Jackman’s Ride.
“He’s not that hard to ride,” Diaz answered. “There’s not that many instructions given by Mr. Caldwell. Just break good and let him go as fast as he can as far as he can.”
Jackman’s Ride had won an allowance sprint on Sept. 5 at Remington in his start preceding the Great West.
The Great West was designed as a potential prep for the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint. Jackman’s Ride is Breeders’ Cup-nominated, according to the website for the World Championships.
Jackman’s Ride is a son of Maclean’s Music who also races for Wanda Dupuy. His ownership is based in Oklahoma. Jackman's Ride has now won 14 of 41 starts for earnings of $511,633.
Jackman’s Ride began his career at Remington, winning a maiden special weight at the track in his second career start in September 2021.
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