There's an old saying in racing about a horse that “can run all day,” and it applies wholeheartedly to Ward 'n Jerry, a 7-year-old California-bred son of Lucky Pulpit whose forte is marathon turf races.
That's why the gelding owned and bred by Mr. and Mrs. Larry Williams is coming back on a quick turnaround in next Sunday's traditional closing day feature, the Grade 3 San Juan Capistrano Stakes at a mile and three-quarters on turf.
One might say Ward 'n Jerry tuned up for the race in his last start on June 6 when he made a mild rally to finish fifth in the one-mile Crystal Water Stakes under 126 pounds.
“That wasn't quite his distance,” said Mike Puype, who sent out Ward 'n Jerry to win the G3 San Luis Rey Stakes at a mile and a half on grass March 21 at Santa Anita. “There's not really anything at Del Mar at a distance he likes so we have nothing to lose coming back here in just two weeks.
“Looking at the field, there's not that many horses of quality that can run that far, either. It's a good spot. … He's going to be pretty tough to beat in there.”
In 21 career races, Ward 'n Jerry has won six, with two seconds and three thirds for earnings of $375,579. All but his first three races–all sprints–have come on turf, the last 18 in a row at a mile or longer.
Puype, 53, a native of Phoenix, has been training since 1986, and has the utmost respect for Mr. and Mrs. Williams. “I've been with them a long time,” he said. “They're great clients.”
They live in Boise, Idaho, and in 1979 Williams founded the Idaho Timber Corporation, which grew into one of the top 10 private corporations in Idaho.
Should Puype capture the San Juan, it would still leave him in pursuit of a record that will never be broken, established by Charlie Whittingham, who won the race a remarkable 14 times.
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