Mr. Prankster landed the Turfway Prevue Stakes with ease at Turfway Park after sent off as the favourite to win the race
Michael J. Maker trained newly turned 3-year-old colt, Mr. Prankster, came off the pace under jockey John McKee to win the $50,000 Turfway Prevue Stakes at Turfway Park, on 7 January, 2012.
The son of It’s no Joke, out of mare Cremedelacramer by Avenue of Flags, Mr. Prankster made his first start after six weeks and he was declared the favourite, going into his comeback race.
Under jockey Perry Ouzts, Jasizzle jumped out of the gate and into the lead for the first three quarters by covering the opening quarter mile in 22.46 seconds, half mile in 45.49 seconds and 6 furlongs in 1 minute and 11.83 seconds, in the six and a half furlong test.
The initial leader was pressured continuously by D’Wildcat Road, till the top stretch. Approaching the top stretch, Jasizzle led the field by a mere length, and to go in for the kill, Circus Clown and Frankie is Rock, challenged the leader for the lead.
Settled in fourth place, Mr. Prankster felt the need to go a notch up in pace and run down the three in front of him as he approached his target steadily, but with purpose.
He ran down his opponents in the stretch pretty comfortably, and won the six and a half furlong test by 3 ½ lengths, after being sent as the 6 to 5 choice favourite.
He covered the distance in 1 minute and 18.96 seconds in a Poly track time against twelve 3-year-olds, contesting for the Prevue.
“It looked like there was a good pace scenario and John had him in a good spot, and when he called on him he responded for him, and that’s all you can ask for,” said Maker.
“He’s just kind of a pushbutton horse,” added McKee.
“The race set up well for us and we let the speed go. I was in a good position down the backside, and turning for home, when I asked him, he was there. Mike had him ready to go and I was just a passenger.”
Mr. Prankster was exiting an 11th place finish in the Grade 2 Kentucky Jockey Club at Churchill Downs to winner, Gemologist, and is now standing with 2 wins and two second place finishes in all of his five starts.
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