San Gabriel likely spot for recently purchased Bob and Jackie

Bob and Jackie, a three-time stakes winner who was purchased in November by Calvin Nguyen for $190,000 at the Keeneland mixed sale, may start in the Grade 2 San Gabriel Stakes on Jan. 1 at Santa Anita.

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Sunday at Del Mar, Bob and Jackie worked five furlongs in 1:02.80 on turf, his second workout since the auction. Bob and Jackie was third in the Grade 2 City of Hope Mile on Oct. 3 at Santa Anita in his final start for Zayat Stables. The 4-year-old colt has been trained by Richard Baltas before and after the sale.

“It’s a very good chance he’ll run there,” Baltas said of the San Gabriel.

Bob and Jackie has won 4 of 8 starts and earned $209,551.

One Bad Boy was pulled up in the Grade 2 Seabiscuit Handicap at Del Mar last Saturday, and Baltas said he emerged from the race without injury. One Bad Boy was racing in midpack on the turn when he was pulled up quickly by Flavien Prat. Best known for winning the 2019 Queen’s Plate at Woodbine, One Bad Boy was walked back to the stables.

Baltas said Thursday that Vertical Threat, winner of the $200,000 Steel Valley Sprint at Mahoning Valley Racecourse in Ohio on Nov. 23, will not start in the Grade 1 Malibu Stakes for 3-year-olds at seven furlongs on Dec. 26 at Santa Anita.

“It will be a salty race,” Baltas said.