Jack's Wild wins California Turf Championship

SAN MATEO, Calif. - Finding a course to his liking, Jack's Wild ($8.80) rallied from last to capture the $100,000 California Turf Championship at Bay Meadows on Saturday.

Now Victory broke slowly but rushed to the lead along the rail in the one-mile race. He seemed to relax on the lead, but was no match as Jack's Wild swung very wide into the stretch and finished strongly to win the one-mile race in 1:37.32 on a course offifially labeled firm. Favored Epic Power, who got by Now Victory late, was second, beaten 1 1/2 lengths, while edging Now Victory by a neck.

"He thrives on this type of turf course," winning jockey Brice Blanc said of Jack's Wild. "He runs well on firm courses, but he really likes courses that are a little softer. We thought this course would help his style, and it definitely did. He finished very strong today."

Winning trainer Jorge Gutierrez, who watched the race from Del Mar, said, "When I saw the turf, and it was nice and lush, I thought we'd have a chance. I got kinda scared when [Now Victory] rushed up because he was going so easy. At the three-eighths, my horse began edging up, and, at the quarter pole, I thought he would have a good chance."

Somethinaboutlaura was scratched from the post parade because she was lame in the left front leg.

Jack's Wild earned $60,000 for owner Venneri Racing, increasing his career earnings to $340,930 with his fourth victory in 29 starts.

Gutierrez said he would probably bring Jack's Wild back for the $150,000 Bay Meadows Breeders' Cup Handicap on Sept. 22 at 1 1/8 miles on the turf.