J Kirk and Judy Robison’s Jackie’s Warrior (Maclean’s Music), likely favorite for Friday’s GI TVG Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, was among nine Steve Asmussen trainees aiming for championship weekend to work at Keeneland Sunday morning. The undefeated 2-year-old went four furlongs in :48.80 (9/25).
“He had a nice, easy half-mile,” Asmussen said. “I thought he moved well over the race track. The circumstances were excellent today. We’re very excited about running him on Friday.”
Sunday’s work was Jackie’s Warrior second over the Keeneland surface. He also went five furlongs in 1:00.20 (3/41) Oct. 25. The bay colt is now four for four following wins in the Aug. 7 GII Saratoga Special S., Sept. 7 GI Hopeful S. and Oct. 10 GI Champagne S.
“I think what gave us the most confidence was his Champagne, two brilliant races at Saratoga and for him to carry that over to another surface [at Belmont Park]–and he looked brilliant doing it,” Asmussen said. “This will be his first two-turn race. He is very speed-influenced in his pedigree, but physically and mentally he is doing exceptional.”
Assmusen has three horses pre-entered for the GI Breeders’ Cup Sprint and, while Nashville (Speightstown) wore his Sprint towel while working three furlongs in :36.40 (2/10), the lightly raced colt is also pre-entered in the GI Big Ass Fans Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile and is nominated to Saturday’s Perryville S. on the Breeders’ Cup undercard.
“Everything’s on the table.” WinStar Farm President and CEO Elliott Walden said of options for Nashville. “He’s an extreme talent. He’s only three. He’s only run twice. It seems like a big ask to run against the accomplished sprinters that he would have to run against. Not that he wouldn’t be capable. I think he’ll go a mile. I think he’ll use his speed to stretch out as well naturally. We’ll see how it goes. Great problem to have. Blessed to have him.”
Nashville was tabbed a ‘TDN Rising Star’ following an 11 1/2-length debut romp going 6 1/2 furlongs at Saratoga Sept. 22 and added a 9 1/4-length victory in a six-furlong allowance at Keeneland Oct. 10.
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