Jacobson weighs options for sprinters

OZONE PARK, N.Y. – Trainer David Jacobson could run as many as three horses in the $100,000 Gravesend Stakes on Dec. 23 though he has other options for his trio of sprinters Stallwalkin’ Dude, Chief Lion, and Great Stuff.

Stallwalkin’ Dude won last year’s Gravesend after running second in the Fall Highweight. This year, Stallwalkin’ Dude won the Grade 3 Fall Highweight in what Jacobson said might have been the gelding’s “best race of his career.”

Stallwalkin’ Dude is scheduled to work over the weekend, but typically he only breezes a slow three furlongs. Jacobson hinted at skipping the Gravesend with Stallwalkin’ Dude, but stopped short of making a final decision.

Jacobson also has Chief Lion and Great Stuff under consideration for the Gravesend. Chief Lion won the Fabulous Strike on Nov. 22 at Penn National. Great Stuff finished fifth in the Fall Highweight.

In addition to the Gravesend, Jacobson also is considering the $100,000 Dave’s Friend on Dec. 30 at Laurel and the Grade 3, $100,000 Midnight Lute Stakes at Santa Anita, also on Dec. 30, for Stallwalkin’ Dude.

Jacobson recently shipped nine horses to Santa Anita for the winter.

“Good problems I have right now,” Jacobson said Thursday from Santa Anita. “I’m evaluating my options day by day.”

Among those expected for the Gravesend are Takaful, the Grade 1 Vosburgh winner; Life in Shambles, The Truth or Else, Threefiveindia, and possibly Green Gratto, Classy Classy, and Ready for Rye.