Stallwalkin' Dude points to Gravesend
OZONE PARK, N.Y. – Stallwalkin’ Dude came out of his 1 3/4-length victory in Thursday’s Grade 3 Fall Highweight Handicap “great,” according to trainer and part-owner David Jacobson who said the 7-year-old gelding would likely be aimed at the $100,000 Gravesend Stakes here Dec. 23. Stallwalkin’ Dude won last year’s Gravesend after finishing second in the Fall Highweight.
On Thursday, Stallwalkin’ Dude rallied from last under Joel Rosario, splitting horses while four wide in midstretch and outfinishing Threefiveindia in the Fall Highweight, in which he carried top weight of 134 pounds. He ran six furlongs in 1:11.11 and earned a 102 Beyer Speed Figure.
“He’s as good as he’s ever been,” Jacobson said, repeating a phrase he has used all fall. “He’s not supposed to be.”
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The Fall Highweight was the 20th win in 59 career starts for Stallwalkin’ Dude, who has been going strong for three years since Jacobson claimed him for $16,000 on Sept. 20, 2014. He has won eight stakes, including the Grade 3 Bold Ruler and three runnings of the Tale of the Cat at Saratoga.
“He’s never been laid up, never stopped training, he never had to go to the farm or just walk for two weeks,” Jacobson said.
Jacobson scratched Stallwalkin’ Dude out of Wednesday night’s $200,000 Fabulous Strike Handicap at Penn National, but won that race anyway with Chief Lion. Jacobson said Chief Lion would be pointed to the Dave’s Friend Stakes on Dec. 31 at Laurel.
