Jet Drive looks strong vs. 3-year-olds

ETOBICOKE, Ontario - Jet Drive, who locked horns with older rivals in his last outing, should be a major player against 3-year-olds in Friday's fourth race at Woodbine, a $62,500 optional claimer.

Jet Drive was a very precocious 2-year-old for trainer Wray Lawrence. After finishing second to Legal Heir in his debut, he graduated by 6 1/4 lengths in a five-furlong maiden special June 25.

Jet Drive was sent off as the 3-5 favorite three weeks later in the Colin Stakes, and didn't disappoint his numerous backers. He dueled on the early lead in the six-furlong event, and drew off in the final furlong for a 5 1/4-length triumph.

Jet Drive underwent ankle surgery after the Colin and was out for the remainder of 2000. He resurfaced with trainer Kelly Broussard at the Fair Grounds Jan. 18, finishing a well-beaten fifth in allowance company. He was beaten a pole by Dynameaux in his turf debut Feb. 22, and was sent back here to Lawrence earlier this spring.

Jet Drive reacquired a semblance of his superb juvenile form April 21 in the Woodstock Stakes, in which he finished a solid fourth after lacking some running room.

Jet Drive then ran second at this level while beating next out stakes winner San Mont Andreas, and is coming off a third-place finish in the aforementioned $62,500 event. The winner of that six-furlong dash, Speightstown, is a 3-year-old who could have a bright future, while runner-up Bridgeport is a consistent veteran with over $225,000 in the bank.

Patrick Husbands retains the mount on Jet Drive, a Kentucky-bred by Salem Drive.

Completing the field for the six-furlong feature will be Jaguarmeanspassion, Lucky Chip, Robthevet, Big Brown Bear, and Granada Dancer.

Granada Dancer romped in a preliminary allowance while earning a 93 Beyer Figure in his last start April 22. He drilled a half-mile over a good main track in a bullet 46.80 seconds May 29, and should be poised to run a big one for trainer Abraham Katryan, who has a lofty win percentage with his 31- to 60-day layoff runners. Emile Ramsammy rides.

Jaguarmeanspassion reversed his speed style when he graduated after blowing the break in a May 2 maiden special. He rallied down the center of the track again to double up in allowance company May 16, and has worked twice in the interim under the guidance of trainer Frank Passero Jr.

Gary Boulanger retains the mount on Jaguarmeanspassion, who raced all winter at Santa Anita.