Page 150 - June 2018 Speedhorse

Remington Park Invitational Championship-G1
JESSIES FIRST DOWN
by Danny Camp
Two-time World Champion Jessies First Down secured his 12th stakes victory in the $251,265 Remington Park Invitational Championship-G1 on June 2.
The gelding broke second from the gates. Under a confident Rodrigo Vallejo, the geld- ing ran straight as a string, grabbing the lead in the stretch.
The pair increased their lead and finished 1-length in front.
They completed the 440 yards in :20.772, a New Track Record for Remington Park at that distance.
Jessies’ race record now stands at 17 wins out of 36 races, 12 of them are stakes. He
has won his last 10 out of 12. Just a few of his accomplishments include 2016 and 2017 World Champion, 4-Time Champion and a New Track Record at Houston for 440 yards.
He brought home the $150,000 winner’s share of this purse for owner/breeder Ted G. Abrams and trainer James Padgett II, boosting his cumulative earnings to $1,285,202.
Abrams bred Jessies First Down out of 2-time winner Jess A Classy Lassy, finalist in the Rainbow Futurity-G1. She has produced 100% money earners from seven starters, including stakes placed Jessies Wicked One. Jessies First Down is her first stakes winner
and top money earner. “Jessie pulled up wonder-
ful,” said Padgett. “We are always amazed at how sound this guy is. As fast as he is and as hard as he runs, it’s a miracle he’s so sound. He’s probably one of the soundest horses in our barn.
“When he broke, some
folks thought he took a
bad first step,” continued
Padgett. “But, he drops
down low when he breaks. That’s the dif- ference. By the time we got to the test barn, he was ready to run again. This is the first time Jessie was hooked up with Hold Air Hostage. Hostage gave Jessie something to eyeball and that’s unusual for him. He was equal to the task.”
When asked about the future, Padgett added, “First and foremost, it is our intention to never ask this horse to run beyond his abil- ity. In other words, we will never embarrass him. If he ever shows us any back up or slow down, we will quit on him in a heartbeat. As for now, we are looking to give him a little break and then head to Albuquerque for the fall meet.”
Rodrigo Vallejo chimed in, “This horse is a Champion. He is a profes- sional in every aspect. He stands still in the gates and breaks like a rocket.
“He is a very smart horse and a pleasure to be around,” the jockey continued. “He gallops like he owns the track and dares others to challenge him. When the money is on the line, he has the most grit.
How could he not be my favorite?”
2-Time 2017 Champion Hold Air Hostage
(Apollitical Jess-Fols Zookie Cookie) finished second under Jose Alvarez for owner Darling Farms and trainer James Padgett II.
G.R. Carter was aboard Bodacious Eagle (One Famous Eagle-Bodacious Dream), who finished third for owner Johnny Trotter and trainer Michael Joiner.
Firing Tools (Walk Thru Fire-No Tools Required), Tough To Bee (Apollitical Jess- Peppermint Seis), Rock About It (Rock
Solid Jess-Not Sable Shes Rose), Myst Fit (Separatist-Mystifying) and Koolnfamous (One Famous Eagle-Kool Fire) completed the order of finish.
Remington Park $251,265 • 440 yards :20.772 • si 112 • NTR
First Down Dash
FDD Dynasty
Dinastia Toll BRZ
JESSIES FIRST DOWN, ‘11-g.
Mr Jess Perry
Jess A Classy Lassy
Mighty Classy Lassy
Jessies First Down & Rodrigo Vallejo set a New Track Record winning the $251,265 Remington Park Invitational Championship-G1
148 SPEEDHORSE, June 2018
RACING NEWS
Dustin Orona Photography