Jackson Bend ready to defend his crown in the James Marvin Stakes at Saratoga
Jackson Bend brings all the excitement to Saratoga, where he will fight to defend his title in the Grade 3, $100,000 James Marvin Stakes on 20th July, 2012. Considering that the level of competition has risen, he will have to bring his best game forth.
Running over a distance of seven furlongs, the five-year-old has been struggling for form, and his most recent performance in the Grade 1 Metropolitan Handicap was not encouraging as he finished fifth at about a mile.
Trainer Nick Zito is hoping that he will be able to bring the same determination that he brought last year. He stated:
"He's hanging in there," Zito said. "Tough little horse. It was a good race for him last year, start of a comeback. Hopefully (this time) he gets a good race, and a good break, good trip, and some good luck."
Last year in the Marvin Stakes, he was paired with rider Corey Nakatani and swiftly covered the seven furlong track in 1 minute and 20.91 seconds, where he defeated, Hamazing Destiny, while the third place was secured by Escrow Kid.
The son of Hear No Evil, out of Tabasco Cat mare s**y Stockings, secured two graded victories this season, which should help him in this race. On 14th January, 2012, he competed in the Grade 3 Hal’s Hope Stakes that covered 1 mile.
The Robert LaPenta owned runner’s next victory was brilliant, since he conquered the seven furlong distance in 1 minute and 22.32 seconds in the Grade 1 Carter Handicap, where he defeated Caleb’s Posse.
There are a number of reasons why the chestnut horse could win, and those factors include the cut down in distance, and the familiar dirt surface, which might help him to excel in defending his title.
Trainer Todd Pletcher is entering with, Caixa Eletronica, who seems to be in immensely good shape with a victory in the Grade 2 True North Handicap at Belmont Park, which he claimed on 9th June, 2012.
Jackson Bend and Caixa Eletronica will both share high weight of 123 pounds, while the rest of the older runners will race with 119 pounds. Jackson Bend will be teamed with his rider Rosie Napravnik and has a 7-5 winning shot.
Javier Castellano will take charge of Caixa Eletronica, who will race as the second-favourite with a 5-2 chance.
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