Power Jam preps for Pirate's Bounty Stakes

DEL MAR, Calif. – For the first time in his career, Power Jam will run twice in a month when he starts in an optional claimer at Del Mar on Saturday. The lightly raced 4-year-old has set a high standard this July.

On July 10 at Santa Anita, Power Jam won an optional claimer at 5 1/2 furlongs in a track-record time of 1:01.71 in his third career start and his first race since last November. On Saturday, Power Jam is part of a field of 10 racing seven furlongs.

Trainer Bob Baffert envisions the second-level optional $62,500 claimer as a prep for the $75,000 Pirate’s Bounty Stakes at six furlongs on Sept. 5.

“The distance is a little far,” Baffert said. “I want to run him here and in the Pirate’s Bounty.”

In the July 10 race, Power Jam led throughout and won by 1 3/4 lengths. Last November, Power Jam was second by a nose in an optional claimer here at 6 1/2 furlongs, the longest of his three career races.

“He’s always been a fast, fast horse,” Baffert said. “He came out of his last race well.”

Power Jam will be ridden by Stewart Elliott, who was aboard for the track-record performance. Power Jam’s main rival will be Who’s Out, who won an optional claimer at 6 1/2 furlongs at Santa Anita on June 25 in his fourth start and his first against winners.

Baffert is having a fine month with sprinters, particularly with fillies and mares. On July 20, Pretty N Cool and Enchanting Lady were first and second in the CERF Stakes. On Wednesday, the Baffert-trained Luminance won an optional claimer at six furlongs.

Those fillies and mares will provide the core of Baffert’s team for the $100,000 Rancho Bernardo Handicap at 6 1/2 furlongs on Aug. 17.

Luminance, Enchanting Lady, and Power Jam are owned by Kaleem Shah.