Blackjackcat kicks off what could be a big season in Thunder Road

ARCADIA, Calif. – Blackjackcat finished a fast-closing third in the Breeders’ Cup Mile at Del Mar on Nov. 4, leaving trainer Mark Glatt eager for another try in 2018. The campaign toward the BC Mile at Churchill Downs in November begins at Santa Anita on Saturday, when Blackjackcat has his first start of the year in the Grade 3 Thunder Road Stakes at a mile on turf.

“Hopefully, he can pick up where he left off,” Glatt said.

Blackjackcat, who won three consecutive stakes last year before the BC Mile, will be favored in a field of six in the $100,000 Thunder Road Stakes, the fifth race on a 10-race program that begins at noon Pacific.

The race drew two other multiple stakes winners – Bowies Hero and Om.

KEY CONTENDERS

Blackjackcat, by Tale of the Cat
Last 3 Beyers: 103-94-102

◗ Owned by Al and Sandee Kirkwood, Blackjackcat closed from 12th in a field of 14 in the BC Mile. Racing wide throughout, Blackjackcat was beaten 1 1/4 lengths by winner World Approval and a head for second at 19-1 by the Irish import Lancaster Bomber.

◗ Blackjackcat’s biggest win last year came in the Grade 2 Del Mar Mile on turf last August and was followed by a win in the Obviously Mile on turf here in October. In those races, Blackjackcat raced within a length or two of the front. He closed from more than six lengths off the pace in the BC Mile.

“He got back a lot farther than he normally did,” said trainer Mark Glatt. “He did a lot of things differently.

“I think he could have been second. I don’t want to take anything away from the winner.”

◗ Glatt considers the Thunder Road Stakes a prep for the Grade 1 Kilroe Mile on turf March 10.

“His last couple of works have been strong,” Glatt said. “He’s probably not tightened down 100 percent, but I think he’s good.”

Bowies Hero, by Artie Schiller
Last 3 Beyers: 101-95-93

◗ The Thunder Road will be the first start against older horses for Bowies Hero, a winner of four one-mile turf stakes last year at 3. Bowies Hero won the Grade 2 Mathis Brothers Mile for 3-year-olds on Dec. 26.

◗ Trained by Phil D’Amato for Agave Racing, Bowies Hero has a running style similar to Blackjackcat’s.

◗ D’Amato said Bowies Hero has been sharp since his recent win.

“I think I’ve got a fighting chance,” D’Amato said.

“It’s always a step up at this time of year going against older horses for the first time. Since I got him as a 2-year-old until now, I’ve seen steady improvement along the way. He trains like a good horse and is confident in everything that he does.

“Saturday, we’ll see where we are.”