Jackman’s Ride ran the race of his career when the 8-year-old won last month’s $250,000 Great West Stakes at Remington Park.
The new turf sprint was designed as a potential steppingstone for the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint, but plans are to keep Jackman’s Ride in the Southwest market, according to trainer J.R. Caldwell.
“We’ll just keep him right here at home,” he said. “We’re just going to enjoy him, keep him in his spots, keep him happy.”
Jackman’s Ride is owned by Oklahoma residents Steve and Wanda Dupy.
Jackman’s Ride set a torrid pace in the Great West and won by a length, while earning a career-high Beyer Speed Figure of 95. It was the first stakes win for the son of Maclean’s Music who overall has won 14 races and earned over $500,000.
Caldwell said the decision to enter was made in part because Jackman’s Ride is based at Remington.
“At the end of the day, we could lead him out of our stall and it’s our home turf and we don’t see a $250,000 grass race very often,” he said. “It’s like, ‘Hey, let’s take a shot.’
“When the overnight came out, there’s a lot of nice horses, but there’s no Jackman’s Ride-fast horses leaving the gate. I told the owners, ‘You know what, this race looks like it might be all right for him.’ It’s not like they’re going to push him. He’s going to get out there and get an easy lead and he might be a little tough to run down. And it happened to work out that way.”
Jackman’s Ride could start a couple of more times at Remington before the meet closes in December, Caldwell said.
In addition to being an eight-time winner on turf, Jackman’s Ride is a six-time winner on dirt. On wet tracks, he’s 2 for 2.
“He’s such an honest horse,” Caldwell said. “We’ve had him a couple of years now. Every time we lead him up, he just brings it. He gives you everything he’s got. What a blessing he’s been for the Dupy family.”
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