Jackie's Warrior bosses rivals in Hopeful Stakes

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. - Jackie’s Warrior asserted his class and his speed to record an impressive 2 1/4-length victory in Monday’s Grade 1, $250,000 Runhappy Hopeful Stakes to establish himself as the leading juvenile colt in the East - if not the country - and capping a tremendous Saratoga meet for trainer Steve Asmussen.

Opening up two lengths right out of the gate under Joel Rosario, Jackie’s Warrior set fractions of 22.56 seconds for the quarter, 44.83 for the half, and opened up a five-length lead in midstretch before being wrapped up for the final 70 yards.

Jackie’s Warrior, a son of Maclean’s Music owned by Kirk and Judy Robison, covered the seven furlongs in 1:21.29 and returned $5.70 as the second choice.

Reinvestment Risk, who was sent off the even-money favorite off a terrific debut victory, settled for second, 10 1/4 lengths ahead of Mutasaabeq in third. Ampersand was fourth, followed, by Papetu, Nutsie and Fearless Fly.

The win was the third in as many starts for Jackie’s Warrior, who also won the Grade 2 Saratoga Special here on Aug. 7. Rosario was not aboard for the maiden victory, but did ride him in both starts here.

“Unbelievable the way he ran the first time, and it looked like he was probably better today than the last one,” Rosario said. “He did the same first time. He broke out of there quick. Today was seven furlongs and he was able to carry that speed all the way around.”

Scott Blasi, Asmussen’s Saratoga-based assistant, said using Jackie’s Warrior’s speed in the Hopeful was a no-brainer.

“I just told Joel let’s not overthink this, he’s the fastest horse in the race,” Blasi said. “When they get their lessons from Steve’s dad [Keith] in Laredo, Texas, they know how to leave the gate.”

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The victory was the 13th stakes win of the meet and seventh graded for Rosario, who led all jockeys in those categories. Rosario finished the meet as the third-leading rider with 48 wins.

Asmussen finished the meet with 14 victories and seven stakes wins, including three Grade 1’s.

“Excellent meet for us,” Blasi said. “The horses have performed extremely well. I got a great crew. Considering COVID and everything that’s taken place, it’s been a very good meet for us.”

Blasi said that Jackie’s Warrior would most likely make his next start in the Grade 1, $250,000 Champagne Stakes at Belmont Park on Oct. 10.