Gulfstream: Jersey Town tries to fire fresh in Sir Shackleton

At age 6, with only 16 starts, Jersey Town clearly has had his share of setbacks. But he has also had a great deal of success, highlighted by his victory in the 2010 Cigar Mile. He has lost all four of his starts since that race, but a brief freshening seems to have served him well as he begins his 2012 campaign in the $70,000 Sir Shackleton Stakes, the second race on the card.

“He’s doing really, really good,” said Barclay Tagg, who trains Jersey Town, at his barn on Thursday morning. “I’m tickled to death with him. He’s a horse that’s had his share of problems. We’ve had to give him plenty of time off. But he’s doing real good right now. He’s got the healing power of Jesus.”

A blocky chestnut, Jersey Town cuts a powerful physical presence. If he can string together a campaign without interruption, Tagg envisions using the Sir Shackleton as a prep for the Westchester Handicap on April 28, and then the Metropolitan Mile on May 28, both at Belmont Park.
The Sir Shackleton, at 6 1/2 furlongs, drew nine entrants, but not all are expected to start. Both Soaring Stocks and Zero Rate Policy were scheduled to head to Fair Grounds for the Duncan Kenner on Sunday.

Todd Pletcher will send out two, the comebacking Brethren, who is on the rail, and Travelin Man, who won a second-level allowance here Feb. 9, his third win in four starts at Gulfstream. He drew the outside post.

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