Jackson Bend and Rosebud's Ridge scored victories in divisions of the Florida Stallion Series for 2-year-olds at Calder Race Course Aug. 29.
Jacks or Better Farm’s star homebred colt Jackson Bend tallied an impressive 1 1/2-length victory in the $150,000 Affirmed Division on the Juvenile Showcase program for his fourth consecutive win.
The son of Hear No Evil previously won the Frank Gomez Memorial Stakes and the Dr. Fager, which is the first race in the FSS series for progeny of stallions standing in Florida.
Jackson Bend is now in position to become the seventh horse in history to sweep the open division of the FSS. The third race of the series is the Oct. 17 In Reality at 1 1/16 miles.
With regular jockey Jeffrey Sanchez in the saddle, Jackson Bend rated in third place in the early going of the seven-furlong race, racing on the rail behind Mr. Green and Bim Bam. Nearing the quarter pole, Sanchez guided his horse to the outside and was able to run down Mr. Green near the sixteenth pole.
Trained by Stanley Gold, Jackson Bend covered the distance in 1:25.19.
“He’ll give you a cardiac attack sometimes the way he makes that big move up to the leader, but then just inches away like he knows where the finish line is," said Gold, who plans to train Jackson Bend up to the In Reality.
Mr. Green saved the place and Bim Bam finished four lengths back in third. Jackson Bend paid $3.40, $2.20, and $2.10. Mr. Green returned $2.40 and $2.10, while Bim Bam paid $2.10 to show.
Angel Quiroz’ 2-year-old filly Rosebud’s Ridge made her stakes debut a winning one in taking the $150,000 Susan’s Girl Division of the FSS. Coming off her maiden win, Rosebud’s Ridge was a 17-1 outsider in the Susan’s Girl, but took the field from gate to wire under jockey Cecilio Penalba for trainer and breeder Herman Wilensky.
Rosebud’s Ridge broke alertly in the seven-furlong test and led all the way while tiring in the stretch, winning by a neck over Sweetlalabye, winner of the Desert Vixen Division of the FSS Aug. 8. It was 4 1/2 lengths back to Winsockie in third place. Joanie's Catch, second in the Desert Vixen, broke poorly and was never a factor.
Rosebud’s Ridge, a daughter of Tiger Ridge, covered the seven furlongs in 1:26.53 and paid $37.40, $12.80, and $6.40. Sweetlalabye paid $3.60 and $2.40, and Winsockie returned $3.20.