Reckless Jerry to go for win after two runner up places in the Southwest Stakes
With a couple of second place finishes to his name, 3-year-old colt Reckless Jerry, is ready for the Grade 1 Kentucky Derby trail as he look to make his second start of his sophomore season in the Grade 3, $250,000 Southwest Stakes on 20 February, 2012,
over a mile on dirt at Oaklawn Park against 11 other 3-year-old males.
The son of Cactus Ridge, Reckless Jerry had less than a perfect start in his last race, when he finished second to Junebugred in the Smarty Jones Stakes on dirt at Oaklawn Park over at a mile on 16 January, 2012, as On Fire Baby finished third on the day.
Prior to the Smarty Jones Stakes, Kenny Smith trained for Dream Walkin’ Farms, Reckless Jerry took part in the Springboard Mile at Remington Park on 10 December, 2011, but again finished second to Ted’s Folly, who covered the mile distance in 1 minute and
38.90 second, as Pee H Dee finished third.
The Springboard Mile was Reckless Jerry’s debut race. Reckless Jerry turned in a work ahead of the Southwest Stakes, an easy drill of five furlongs in 1 minute and 2 2/5 seconds.
“It was exactly what I asked for,” said Smith. “I wanted him to gallop out in 1:16 and he was right at that according to what I got. It was a nice maintenance workout.”
“I don’t like to put a whole lot of flash into works with a horse like this,” he said. “You watch and I’m usually focused on farther rather than flashy. I just wanted to pump a little air into his lungs. We only need to do a little maintenance and then run
him.”
Reckless Jerry would have to be in top form if he is to snap his two off runner up streak, because it is going to be harder than ever, as he will go up against the likes of Bob Baffert trained, Secret Circle, who will probably head the field.
The race is to go down on 20 February, and gives Reckless Jerry ample time to turn in another drill before the big race.
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