Jackie's Warrior | Horse Racing Free Tips

BC Sprint Winner Aloha West Brings Catalano Back Into National Spotlight

One of the most popular victories of the Breeders' Cup came in the $2 million Grade 1 Sprint won by the Wayne Catalano-trained 4-year-old Aloha West, who never even race until this past Feb. 7. But he bested a field that included top sprinters Jackie's Warrior, Dr. Schivel, Following Sea, Forenze Firenze Fire, C Z Rocket, and Special Reserve at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club in Del Mar, Calif.

Not that it was easy. Aloha West needed every inch of the Sprint's six furlongs to win by a tight nose in nailing California-based Dr. Schivel, who took command in midstretch as 1-2 favorite Jackie's Warrior faded. It was Aloha West's first stakes victory in only his second graded-stakes start, having finished second to Special Reserve in Keeneland's G2 Phoenix.

“I liked the bob at the end when they put my number up,” Catalano said. “But boy was it a tough one.”

Catalano has trained since 1983 and at 2,931 wins through Saturday is getting close to the 3,000-plus he won as a jockey, including 349 victories in 1977. Still, his greater success has been as a trainer.

“Wayne has just done an incredible job developing this colt,” said Aron Wellman, founder and president of the Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners syndicate that won its first Breeders' Cup race. “He only ran for the first time in February this year as a 4-year-old, and (nine) months later he's a Breeders' Cup Sprint champion. That takes master horsemanship to be able to accomplish something that monumental.

“But Wayne told me two weeks ago — and this man has had his hands on some pretty serious horse flesh in his day — that 'this might be the best horse I've ever had my hands on.' The way he's managed and developed this horse is clearly brilliant. To do what he did today is just magical.”

Eclipse Thoroughbreds bought Aloha West privately off Catalano's long-time clients Gary and Mary West after the Hard Spun colt finished fifth in an Oaklawn allowance race in his second start.

“I was talking to Wayne shortly thereafter about a horse I was sending him and I said, 'What about that horse Aloha West? That horse that ran sneaky good,'” Wellman recalled. “And he said, 'That horse can run.' I had bought some horses off the Wests in the past that had similar profiles because their program is predominantly geared toward the classics. This is a horse that had missed his 2- and 3-year-old season. With the kind of volume that they got, he's the kind of horse that they need to turn over to make sense of their operation. So Wayne took the lead, we cut a deal and the rest is history.”

It was the Louisville-based Catalano's fourth Breeders' Cup victory and first since Stephanie's Kitten took the Juvenile Fillies Turf in 2011.

“Right now is a good time to win a race like this,” Catalano said. “We're a little low on horses. We've been around a long, long time, and it's not easy. I've reinvented myself so many times — 50 years and counting. I just want to settle down and have a handful of nice horses in one spot and enjoy the rest of my life with the grandkids.”

Overall, four Kentucky-based trainers won five of the 14 Breeders' Cup races: Catalano (Aloha West, Sprint), Brad Cox (Knicks Go, Classic), Steve Asmussen (Echo Zulu, Juvenile Fillies), and the Keeneland-based Wesley Ward (Golden Pal, Turf Sprint, and Twilight Gleaming, Juvenile Turf Sprint.

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Jackie’s Warrior is the Gift That Keeps on Giving for His Breeders

John and Jennie Williams' J & J Stables sold Jackie's Warrior (Maclean's Music) for just $95,000 at Keeneland September. While that price proved to be the bargain of a lifetime for buyer Kirk Robison, the speedy colt has been the gift that keeps on giving for his breeders. The Williamses hope that continues as Jackie's Warrior enters the GI Breeders' Cup Sprint Saturday as the morning-line favorite and his 2-year-old half-sister Lenni Girl (Candy Ride {Arg}) sells during Book 1 of Keeneland November Wednesday.

The Williamses acquired Jackie's Warrior's dam Unicorn Girl (A.P. Five Hundred) in her second season on the racetrack through trainer Ben Perkins. She was a hard-knocking claiming and allowance filly running in the tri-state area with 19 wins from 54 starts and $483,508 in earnings.

“I got her with Ben Perkins early on,” John Williams said. “She was just a blue-collar horse. We ran her hard and she loved to run. She was in the money 34 times. She got claimed a few times, but we decided to claim her back and make her a broodmare. She just had the heart. She never quit. She won all those races the hard way. She had a fight in her. We decided to take a chance on her and see if she would make a broodmare and she turned out to be a pretty great one with Jackie's Warrior.”

Jackie's Warrior was Unicorn Girl's third foal and was actually named by his breeders prior to his sale at Keeneland September and his new owner kept the sentimental name.

“We were planning on racing Jackie's Warrior and named him after my wife's sister Jackie, who was fighting brain cancer,” Williams said. “Then we were downsizing the stable, so we ended up selling him. We were taking some chips off the table. Obviously we had no idea he would go on to become a champion, which it looks like he will. His namesake Jackie is in remission and cancer free and we are all catching planes right now to see him run [at Del Mar].”

Jackie's Warrior opened his account with four straight wins last year, including the GII Saratoga Special S., GI Runhappy Hopeful S. and GI Champagne S. He suffered his first loss when fourth in the GI TVG Breeders' Cup Juvenile last November at Keeneland.

The Williamses decided to strike while the iron is hot and supplemented Unicorn Girl and her 2020 American Pharoah colt to last year's Keeneland November Sale. Unicorn Girl summoned $850,000 from Arthur Hoyeau and her colt brought $600,000 from Coolmore's M.V. Magnier.

Jackie's Warrior has proven to be a one-turn wonder this year, taking the GIII Pat Day Mile May 1, GII Amsterdam S. Aug. 1, GI H. Allen Jerkens Memorial S. Aug. 28 and GII Gallant Bob S. Sept. 25. He also finished a close second in the GI Woody Stephens S. June 5, cementing him as the to choice in his division of the World Championships.

After another sensational season from Jackie's Warrior with a possible championships on the line, the Williamses figured they'd try their luck at Keeneland again this year, supplementing Jackie's Warrior's unraced 2-year-old half-sister Lenni Girl (Hip 224B) to the November sale.

“We've got a fair amount of fillies, which is a little bit unusual for us,” Williams said. “We are just trying to rebalance the stable a little bit and figured we would see where the market is. Jackie's Warrior is obviously a special colt, so we will see what happens with Lenni Girl. She is named after my granddaughter Lennon. The family names seem to be working out pretty well.”

The Keeneland November Sale gets underway Wednesday with a single Book 1 session beginning at 1 p.m.

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Amidst Monumental Year, Asmussen Heads Into BC Weekend ‘Guns’ Blazing

DEL MAR, CA – The best thing about Steve Asmussen's record-breaking 2021 season? The Hall of Famer may want to wait until the weekend is up to answer that.

In a year that has included passing Dale Baird to become the winningest North American trainer of all time, an emotional GI Arkansas Derby victory for his parents with Super Stock (Dialed In) and five top-level wins at the prestigious Saratoga meeting, including three from the first crop of a former barn superstar, Asmussen heads into the Breeders' Cup World Championships at Del Mar with a loaded, six-horse hand.

“Those are some very nice milestones and things that we will obviously enjoy looking back on, but we need to finish out the year strong,” Asmussen said.

“I feel like we have some excellent chances in the Breeders' Cup and we need to show up and have our horses perform to the best of their ability and finish the year off right.”

Excellent chances, indeed.

It comes full circle for Asmussen as his Breeders' Cup weekend begins with L and N Racing and Winchell Thoroughbreds's unbeaten 'TDN Rising Star' Echo Zulu (Gun Runner) in Friday's GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies.

The $300,000 KEESEP graduate and half-sister to the Asmussen-trained GI Runhappy H. Allen Jerkens S. winner and young Ashford Stud sire Echo Town (Speightstown) will be heavily favored over five rivals for her two-turn debut off the strength of eye-catching wins in the GI Spinaway S. at Saratoga Sept. 5 and the GI Frizette S. at Belmont Oct. 30.

Asmussen, of course, saddled Echo Zulu's leading freshman sire Gun Runner to a win in the GI Breeders' Cup Classic–the 55-year-old's second trophy in the big one–which was also held at the seaside track four years ago.

Standing at Three Chimneys Farm, the 2017 Horse of the Year and champion older dirt male is also responsible for the Asmussen-trained GI Hopeful S. winner Gunite. Gun Runner will also be represented by longshot Pappacap in the male dirt equivalent on 'Future Stars Friday.'

“It went extremely well the last time the Breeders' Cup was at Del Mar and we're trying to recreate some of the same magic,” Asmussen said. “We don't get to take Gun Runner back, but it is kind of fun that the first time we go back we have one from his first crop that's the favorite in the Juvenile Fillies.”

Of Gun Runner's fast start at stud, he continued, “It's dreaming. Meaning, Gun Runner, as special as he was and what an amazing ride he was–good 2-year-old, strong 3-year-old, great 4-year-old–then, how excited we were to have Gun Runner's progeny and for one to start out this fast… Better than we could've even hoped. Knowing how much better he got with time and for Echo Zulu to come out of the box like this–just absolutely special.”

California Dreaming…

Four of Asmussen's seven-career Breeders' Cup wins, including a Classic victory with the aforementioned Gun Runner, have come in Southern California. The three others–Tapizar (2012 GI Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile), Untapable (2014 GI Breeders' Cup Distaff) and Mitole (2019 GI Breeders' Cup Sprint)-took place at Santa Anita.

The Asmussen barn has also been well-represented with Santa Anita Breeders' Cup placings from: Dust and Diamonds (second 2012 GI Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint); My Miss Aurelia (second 2012 GI Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic); Unbridled's Note (second 2012 GI Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint); Tapiture (second 2014 GI Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile); Gun Runner (second 2016 GI Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile); Midnight Bisou (second 2019 GI Breeders' Cup Distaff); and Storm Treasure (third 2008 GI Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint).

Like his aforementioned celebrated quartet, Asmussen's 2021 Breeders' Cup troops arrived early in the Golden State to prepare, in fact, weeks ahead of the 38th World Championships. It's certainly worked well in the past, but exactly how important is it to get acclimated early to the West Coast?

“I think you said it, it's worked well in the past,” Asmussen said. “It's worked well for whatever reason. Just get acclimated and eliminate as many variables as we possibly can and go from there.”

Five More Major 'Players' for BC Saturday…

Asmussen will tighten the girth on five Breeders' Cup runners on Saturday's stacked program, led by J. Kirk and Judy Robison's GI Breeders' Cup Sprint headliner Jackie's Warrior (Maclean's Music).

A valiant fourth as the favorite after sitting right on a scorching pace in last year's GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile, he takes on his elders after a spectacular 110 Beyer Speed Figure performance in the GII Gallant Bob at Parx Sept. 25. He previously posted a heart-stopping neck victory over the GI Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile 4-5 morning-line favorite and 'TDN Rising Star' Life Is Good (Into Mischief) in a GI H. Allen Jerkens Memorial S. for the ages at the Spa Aug. 28.

Where does Jackie's Warrior, just a $95,000 KEESEP buy, rank with some of Asmussen's all-time top sprinters–dare we even mention the brilliant Mitole yet?

“I think that they're all individuals and comparing horses is unjust,” Asmussen fired back. “Because what makes them special is how they perform against competition, not talking about it. We have had the fastest horses in the world and are very proud of that.”

The future Spendthrift Farm stallion's resume also includes top-level wins in the 2020 GI Runhappy Hopeful S. and GI Champagne S.

“I think the most unique thing about Jackie's Warrior is the Gallant Bob was only the second time he had run six furlongs,” Asmussen said. “He's just fast.”

Previous 3-year-old winners of the Breeders' Cup Sprint include: Drefong (2016); Runhappy (2015); Trinniberg (2012); Silver Train (2005); Cajun Beat (2003); Squirtle Squirt (2001); Reraise (1998); Sheikh Albadou (GB) (1991); and Very Subtle (1987).

George Hall's and SportBLX Thoroughbreds Corp.'s GI Breeders' Cup Classic contender Max Player (Honor Code) has taken his game to the next level with a change in tactics, sitting right on the pace en route to breakthrough wins in the GII Suburban S. at Belmont July 3 and GI Jockey Club Gold Cup S. at Saratoga Sept. 4. He rallied from far back to third-place finishes in the 2020 GI Belmont S. and GI Runhappy Travers S. for previous trainer Linda Rice as well as a fifth-place finish in the GI Kentucky Derby in his first start for this stable.

“He was giving himself too much to do in quality races,” Asmussen said. “Spotting them seven, eight, 10 lengths-he put himself in a position that it was hard to show his ability. In the mornings, he was showing plenty and enough that with an opportunity, he could do enough with it. Getting him in the race early has allowed that. He stays well, so using some of him early hasn't cost him late and it's given him a chance.”

Stonestreet homebred Clairiere (Curlin), the first foal out of the talented three-time Grade I winner and 2015 GI Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint rallying fourth as the favorite Cavorting (Bernardini), faces older fillies and mares for the first time in the GI Breeders' Cup Distaff. She headed an exacta for her leading sire and former Asmussen-trained two-time Horse of the Year Curlin in the GI Cotillion S. at Parx Sept. 25. She was also second to the ultra-talented, re-opposing 'TDN Rising Star' Malathaat (Curlin) in the GI Alabama S. Aug. 21.

Asmussen will be double-fisted in the GI Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile. Listed as the second choice on the morning line at 7-2, GI Hill 'n' Dale Metropolitan H. winner and $450,000 KEESEP graduate Silver State (Hard Spun) overcame a slow start and looked well on his way after leading in the stretch, but just couldn't close the door and had to settle for a close second in the Parx Dirt Mile S. last out Sept. 25. The Winchell Thoroughbreds and Willis Horton Racing colorbearer, did, notably earn a career-best 104 Beyer in that effort. Silver State retires to Claiborne Farm for 2022.

Bloom Racing Stable's fan favorite and blaze-faced 6-year-old Snapper Sinclair (City Zip) goes turf to dirt in search of his first career graded win in the Dirt Mile following a rallying second in Santa Anita's GII Eddie D. S. Oct. 1.

“It's the goal,” Asmussen concluded of the year-end Championships. “We're obviously very fortunate to have horses of this level. We would expect them to perform well. It is the target.”

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Art Collector Headlines Full Slate Of BC Contenders Working At Del Mar

Bruce Lunsford's Art Collector, who figures to be one of the leading candidates for Saturday's $6 million Grade 1 Longines Breeders' Cup Classic, worked a half-mile in :48.40 Sunday morning to highlight a work tab that featured 20 pre-entrants to the World Championships slated for Friday and Saturday at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club in Del Mar, Calif.

Art Collector was one of three horses to work for Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott. Neil Poznansky was aboard the trio that included Casa Creed (Mile) going 4f in :47.60 and War Like Goddess (Filly & Mare Turf) going a half-mile in :48.20.

“They were all useful works, nothing blazing fast,” said Mott, who has won 10 Breeders' Cup races. “I never have a problem working good grass horses on dirt and this track looks safe and very forgiving.”

Trainer Rudy Rodriguez was aboard Bella Sofia as she covered a half-mile in :48.40 in preparation for the Filly & Mare Sprint.

“She's a happy girl and she loves to just go about her business,” Rodriguez said of Bella Sofia who has won four of five career starts and features daylight victories in the Grade 1 Test and Grade 2 Gallant Bloom in her past two outings. “She handled the track well and was very comfortable on it.”

In all, 14 pre-entrants worked on the fast main track and six more were on the firm Jimmy Durante Turf Course.

Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen worked four of his six pre-entrants headlined by probable Qatar Racing Sprint favorite Jackie's Warrior who covered 3f in :36.80. Also working half-miles for Asmussen were Clairiere (Longines Distaff) in :49.20, Echo Zulu (NetJets Juvenile Fillies) in :50.40 and Silver State (Dirt Mile) in :48.60.

Other dirt workers included C Z Rocket (Qatar Racing Sprint) going 3f in :35.80, Commander (Turf Sprint also-eligible) a half-mile in :48.80, Giant Game (TVG Juvenile presented by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance) a half-mile in :48.60, and the Richard Mandella-trained duo of Dogtag (Maker's Mark Filly & Mare Turf) and Bombard (Turf Sprint also-eligible) working 5f in :58.20 and :58.40, respectively, in company.

Idol worked 5f in company in 1:02.40 but after the work trainer Richard Baltas notified Breeders' Cup officials that he did not feel Idol was 100 percent and withdrew him from the Classic.

Two other horses were withdrawn from Breeders' Cup consideration by their connections Sunday morning: Flagstaff from the Qatar Racing Sprint and Reina de Mollendo (ARG) from the Maker's Mark Filly & Mare Turf.

Highlighting the six pack of grass workers were two California standouts in Mo Forza and Going to Vegas.

Mo Forza, a two-time winner of the Grade 2 Del Mar Mile, worked a half-mile in :49.40 for the FanDuel Mile presented by PDJF for trainer Peter Miller. Shortly after Mo Forza finished his work, Going to Vegas worked a half-mile in :49.20 for Baltas in preparation for the Maker's Mark Filly & Mare Turf.

Also working on the turf were Time to Party (Juvenile Turf Sprint) going 3f in :38.20, Charmaine's Mia (Turf Sprint) going a half-mile in :50.20, Extravagant Kid (Turf Sprint) a half-mile in :49.40 in company with Zofelle (IRE), and Cairo Memories (Juvenile Fillies Turf) going 5f in 1:04.40.

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