Why Not Be Perfect, Jebrica clash in Budweiser Handicap

AUBURN, Wash. – Why Not Be Perfect and Jebrica, the top two finishers in the Governor’s Handicap in their last start, will bang heads again Sunday in the $50,000 Budweiser Handicap, a one-mile test for older horses that could bring clarity to Emerald Downs’s muddled handicap division.

Why Not Be Perfect sprung a $59.80 upset May 18 in the Governor’s, running the 6 1/2 furlongs in a stakes-record 1:13.72, while Jebrica closed with a late rush to finish second, a little more than a length behind the winner. They are certain to be among the favorites in the Budweiser, the ninth race on a 10-race card.

Jeff Metz, who trains Why Not Be Perfect for John Sanguinetti of Los Gatos, Calif., said his stable star has bounced back from the Governor’s with plenty of spark. Metz expects another big effort from Why Not Be Perfect and regular rider Anne Sanguinetti – the owner’s daughter. But all parties are concerned about Why Not Be Perfect’s inside post position, a potential problem for a horse who prefers clear sailing on the outside.

“We got the inside post, which is a little tough, but I think we can deal with it,” Metz said. “He’s a big horse, and if he gets stopped, it’s hard to re-rally. But when he’s in the clear, he’s fine. I think he’ll be forwardly placed. We’ll get into the mix early and see where it goes from there. If someone out-foots us, we’ll try to lay second or third and get to the outside. If we run our race and things go okay, I like our chances.”

Metz claimed Why Not Be Perfect for John Sanguinetti at Del Mar in August 2012, paying $32,000 for the Kentucky-bred son of Whywhywhy. They lost the horse for $40,000 in his next start but took him back Oct. 28, 2012, for $40,000 at Santa Anita. Since then, Why Not Be Perfect has won five of 12 starts, including a stunning $91.60 allowance victory on the Hollywood Park grass. His victory in the Governor’s marked his first triumph in four starts at Emerald.

Jebrica boasts five victories over the Emerald surface, including an off-the-pace score in the 2012 Budweiser Handicap for trainer Jim Penney. After following Why Not Be Perfect to the wire in the Governor’s, Jebrica could easily turn the tables at his preferred distance. He’ll start from post 3 with regular rider Juan Gutierrez.

Also in the field are two shippers from Golden Gate – Hudson Landing and Pepnic – and another pair from Hastings in Twistgrips and Shooting Jacket. Emerald-based runners Dontmesswithkitten, Mike Man’s Gold, Mr. Bowling, and Stryker Phd round out the field.