Sacco has Joevia ready for Jimmy Winkfield Stakes

OZONE PARK, N.Y. – Trainer Gregg Sacco may have more than one stakes-caliber 3-year-old in his barn.

Sacco, who is preparing Grade 1 winner Mind Control for the Grade 3 Gotham on March 9 at Aqueduct, is planning to run Joevia in next Saturday’s $150,000 Jimmy Winkfield Stakes at Aqueduct.

Joevia, a son of Shanghai Bobby, won his debut by 1 3/4 lengths going five furlongs July 15 at Monmouth Park. Mooji Moo Jr. and Successful Zip, second and fourth respectively in that race, came back to win their next starts.

Joevia was preparing for a start in the Saratoga Special at Saratoga when he hyperextended his knee in his last workout prior to that race, Sacco said.

“It was very minor, but it required three months off,” Sacco said. “Then, it takes 90 to 120 days to come back. He really is training well, and I think he has quality.”

Sacco said he would have preferred to bring Joevia back in a first-level allowance race, but he didn’t find one that suited his timing.

The Winkfield, run at seven furlongs, isn’t expected to draw a large field. As of Friday, the others considered definite to run were Direct Order, Haikal, and Tikhvin Flew. Possible starters include Gates of Dawn and Jump for Alex.

Sacco said Joevia was expected to work Saturday for the Winkfield. Sacco also said he planned to work Mind Control on Saturday as he continues preparation for the Gotham.