2020 Eclipse Awards: Jackie's Warrior

Jackie’s Warrior was among the dominant 2-year-olds of 2020, using his brilliant speed to win his first four starts, including a pair of Grade 1 races to earn a spot as a finalist for the Eclipse Award in the division.

A son of Maclean’s Music out of Unicorn Girl owned by Kirk and Judy Robison, bred by J & J Stables in Kentucky, and trained by Steve Asmussen, Jackie’s Warrior won a maiden race at Churchill Downs in June, the Grade 2 Saratoga Special in August, the Grade 1 Runhappy Hopeful at Saratoga in September, and the Grade 1 Champagne at Belmont Park in October.

His undefeated streak came to an end in the TVG Breeders’ Cup Juvenile presented by the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, when, after making a short lead in upper stretch he weakened in the stretch, finishing fourth behind Essential Quality.

Jackie’s Warrior, a $95,000 yearling purchase at the 2019 Keeneland September auction, debuted June 19 at Churchill Downs, winning a five-furlong race by 2 1/2 lengths. When the horse he beat that day, Therideofalifetime, came back to win his maiden by 8 1/4 lengths at Keeneland, it set up an intriguing showdown in the Saratoga Special on Aug. 7.

:: Full list of 2020 Eclipse Awards finalists, including profile stories

Jackie’s Warrior’s speed was too good for Therideofalifetime, who had to settle for second, three lengths back.

Jackie’s Warrior then successfully stretched his speed out to seven furlongs in the Hopeful and a mile in the Champagne, both times defeating Reinvestment Risk.

Jackie’s Warrior became the first 2-year-old since Dehere in 1993 to win the Saratoga Special, Hopeful, and Champagne. Dehere finished eighth in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile behind Brocco, but was still voted divisional champion.

“He ran some unbelievable races,” Asmussen said of Jackie’s Warrior. “He had a level of ability and maturity that is rarely found in a racehorse these days.”

Asmussen said the key to Jackie’s Warrior’s success was having a great mind to go along with his athletic talent.

“If they don’t have the mind for it you’re not going to be allowed to do it,” Asmussen said.

Jackie’s Warrior was sent off the 4-5 favorite in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. He didn’t make the early lead and though he eventually struck the front at the eighth pole, he finished fourth, 3 1/4 lengths behind Essential Quality.

“They tackled him early,” Asmussen said.

Asmussen is not immediately convinced Jackie’s Warrior can’t be successful around two turns. He has tentatively selected the $750,000, Grade 3 Southwest Stakes, a two-turn, 1 1/16-mile race on Feb. 15 at Oaklawn Park for Jackie’s Warrior’s 3-year-old debut.

Jackie’s Warrior returned to the work tab Dec. 29 at Fair Grounds.